Government Data Forum
By 2020, Ireland’s digital economy is projected to be worth €21.1 billion or 10 per cent of GDP. In order to properly grasp the digital economy businesses must take full advantage of the opportunities presented by digital technologies. However, data protection measures in Ireland currently face intense scrutiny due to the increased volume of large internet companies based in Ireland for data regulation purposes.
The Government Data Forum, established by the Department of the Taoiseach, will operate in an advisory role, informing the Government about emerging opportunities and challenges stemming from the growth of the digital economy, especially in relation to the unremitting expansion of personal data. The Forum will also consider the societal implications of the generation and use of personal data as well as ensuring a balance between the safeguarding of personal information and fundamental rights, with economic development and individual benefit.
The Forum is a component of a wider Government roadmap aimed at establishing Ireland as a world leader in its approach to date protection in the digital economy. Other developments have included the formation of a Data Protection Unit within the Department of the Taoiseach and the doubling of resource allocation for the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Membership of the forum is on a voluntary basis and is drawn from across civil society, industry, the public sector and academia in an effort to contribute to a wider societal debate on the topic.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Forum, Minister Murphy stated: “Huge opportunities exist for the smart use of data to make a significant contribution to economic development and job creation, to improve people’s lives, and to enhance society’s response to many of the challenges we face, in areas such as health, education and the environment.
A key challenge is continuing to ensure that we safeguard personal information, privacy and fundamental rights – giving individuals confidence in that their personal data is protected.”
