Extra commissioner for Data Protection appointed
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan has appointed a new Commissioner for Data Protection, Niamh Sweeney (small picture).
Her appointment will take effect from 13 October, and is for a five-year term. Sweeney is a former executive with Stripe, Facebook and WhatsApp.
This follows the appointment of two Commissioners, Dr Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland, in February 2024.
In 2022, the Government approved began a review the evolving organisational structure, governance and business needs of the Data Protection Commission (DPC).
Today’s appointment completes the process to expand the number of commissioners to three.
Minister O’ Callaghan said: “The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has grown significantly in size, scope and responsibility over the last decade, playing a critical role as one of the largest EU data protection authorities.
“The DPC continues to have expanding and evolving responsibilities as the national independent authority in Ireland responsible for upholding the fundamental right of individuals in the European Union to have their personal data protected."
'Significant market surveillance'
“From 2026, the DPC will assume significant market surveillance authority responsibilities in relation to certain high-risk AI systems including law enforcement and certain biometrics. The AI Act expressly provides for certain roles for the DPC.
“The DPC is anticipating an increased workload arising from the impact of the EU’s new Digital Acts such as the Digital Markets Act, Data Act, and Digital Services Act on data protection matters.
“These additional functions are critical to Ireland’s ability to maintain its leading role in the development and regulation of Europe’s digital economy.”