Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock

Meet the new boss in charge of protecting all our data

So long, Billy Hawkes. Hello, Helen Dixon.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS approved the appointment of the new Data Protection Commissioner following the retirement of Billy Hawkes, who held the role for almost a decade.

Helen Dixon, who is currently the Registrar of Companies, will take up the job in the coming weeks.

Dixon has worked in both the public and private sectors: she spent 11 years working for two US multinationals based in Ireland before taking up a senior management role in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

She has a degree in French and German, and postgraduate qualifications in public affairs, computer science, and governance.

The Minister with responsibility for data protection, Dara Murphy, welcomed her appointment, saying that the position will be even more significant in the coming years.

“As we move at an increasingly faster pace into the digital age, it is fundamental that we ensure that our data, which is becoming an increasingly valuable asset, is afforded the optimum level of protection,” he said.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is an independent body which has responsibility for safeguarding data.

Read: Here’s why people are worried about a US warrant for emails on Irish servers > 

Read: The state has asked Twitter to block 13 accounts in Ireland this year > 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
15 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds