Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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233. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if, as part of the increased expenditure of €3 million allocated to the Data Protection Commission in Budget 2026, he will ensure increased funding is provided for enhanced guidance to help Irish businesses with digital compliance, including enhancements to the DPC website and introduction to a business helpline. [55581/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The delivery of effective data protection regulation is acknowledged as an important policy objective of Government. The Programme for Government provides that the Government will “Invest in the Data Protection Commission (DPC) to ensure it can deliver on its mandate”. Ensuring a well-functioning digital regulatory environment for businesses to grow, employ and innovate is a key priority for Government.

The Government continues to invest significant resources to support the DPC to deliver on its evolving mandate, evidenced by a budget allocation in 2025 of €29.1 million and the recent appointment of an additional Commissioner for Data Protection. Budget 2026 provides a further 10% increase to the budget of the DPC, with an additional €3 million to support increased staffing and to support its work. As the DPC is independent in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers, the allocation of this additional funding is a matter for the DPC.