John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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1151. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the recruitment campaign for the additional Data Protection Commissioner posts will be advertised abroad; if not, if they will be advertised just within the State; when the posts will be advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2340/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to recognising the domestic and international importance of data protection in Ireland and states that the Government will ensure that Ireland delivers on its responsibilities under the General Data Protection Regulation.

The Government is very conscious of the commitment to deliver effective data protection regulation and protection of the data privacy rights of EU citizens, which is critical to the development and growth of our digital economy. In dialogue with the Data Protection Commission, and with other relevant Government Departments, my Department’s role is to ensure that it continues to have the resources required to fulfil its important, statutory obligations, under on-going review.

In line with this commitment, on 27 July 2022, Minister McEntee announced that the Government had approved commencement of the process to appoint two additional Commissioners to support the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Data Protection Commission.

The appointments are to be made in accordance with Section 15 of the Data Protection Act 2018, which provides for up to three Commissioners to be appointed. Section 15(5) of the Act specifies that the Public Appointments Service shall recommend a person for appointment as Commissioner following an open selection competition held by the Service for that purpose.

As such, the advertisement and recruitment approach, including the extent to which the roles will be advertised internationally, is a matter to be determined in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service in due course. The terms and conditions of the appointments are subject to the agreement of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Following the competition process, the appointments will then be made by the Government.