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Speaking at the Annual Data Protection Conference and on Data Protection Day, the Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon, set out her priorities for 2016, which focused on recruitment and increased public sector compliance. The Commissioner stated as follows: “A key priority is the continued expansion of resources at the Irish data protection authority including the further recruitment of legal and technical specialists, to add to our strong team. Our staff now includes expert lawyers, an investigations specialist, security technology specialists, a communications head, complaints investigators and an audit specialist. Already, we are seeing huge benefits from the additional staffing, particularly in delivering faster resolutions for complainants. Another critical round of recruitment is shortly to commence, with the assistance of the Public Appointments Service, seeking further IT and technical compliance specialists."
The Commissioner also highlighted other priorities, saying "There is a clear need for better compliance by the Irish public sector. In particular, the legislative process must be improved to ensure greater deliberation and scrutiny of issues that interfere with the fundamental right to data protection. Data protection is a fundamental right, protected by the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and our own national legislation. It is not, however, an absolute right, and in certain circumstances, must yield to other competing rights. Striking the appropriate balance between these competing rights is difficult. Importantly, because data protection is a fundamental right, any interference with these rights by a public body must generally be provided for by law. More than that, it must be proportionate, necessary and made in furtherance of recognised and stated objectives of general interest or the need to protect the rights of others. Consideration must be given to all of these matters when drafting legislation." The Commissioner’s other priorities include a complete overhaul of the ODPC's website and building the ongoing relationship with European Article 29 Working Party peers.
This is clearly going to be a busy and exciting year for data protection and the ODPC.