Data Protection Commissioner briefs Flanagan on GDPR preparation

Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon has briefed Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan on preparations for the roll-out of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Ms Dixon (pictured) briefed the minister on her office’s preparation for expanded functions and obligations once the GDPR comes into force in May 2018, as well as measures being taken to increase GDPR awareness of companies, public authorities and individuals.

The commissioner’s supervisory role and tasks are set to significantly increase, for example with the power to impose administrative fines.

Among her office’s preparatory measures are an online media campaign with a dedicated website, www.GDPRandYou.ie, publication of guidance material and ongoing engagement with private and public sector bodies, and representative organisations.

Speaking ahead of today’s briefing, Mr Flanagan said: “I would like to acknowledge the vital preparatory work being undertaken by the Data Protection Commissioner ahead of the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2018.

“The importance of a stable and effective data protection regulatory environment cannot be overstated and this is reflected in the very significantly increased budget of almost €11.7m to the DPC for 2018, up €4m from last year and more than four times its 2014 budget provision.”

Ms Dixon said: “2018 will mark a transformative step-change in data protection regulation in the EU, strengthening the data privacy rights of individuals and placing increased compliance and accountability obligations on organisations.

“The DPC is continuing to drive awareness of the GDPR through the publication of guidance materials, online media campaigns and proactive engagement with private and public sector organisations.

“The Government’s continuing commitment to meeting the funding requirements of the DPC is critical to preparations for our enhanced regulatory role, extending to all public and private sector organisations, including the large number of global technology companies located in Ireland.”

Pat Breen, minister of state with special responsibility for the EU Digital Single Market and data protection, added: “There are few areas of the business environment that are more important or more challenging at present than that of data protection. I greatly welcome the government’s clear commitment to ensuring that the DPC has the type of resources needed to ensure that we deal with GDPR in the most effective manner possible.”