The Data Protection Unit was established in mid-2018 to assist the Data Protection Officer in all matters pertaining to Data Protection and following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED), transposed through the Data Protection Act 2018, which placed significant additional obligations on An Garda Síochána. The transfer and centralisation of all data protection work to the Data Protection Unit was completed in late 2019.
As Principal Officer, the Data Protection Officer oversees the National Data Protection Office which encompasses:
- The Data Protection Unit, managed by an Assistant Principal Officer, and
- The Freedom of Information Office, managed by an Assistant Principal Officer (Freedom of Information Officer)
An Garda Síochána is also currently examining enhancement of its records management procedures which may include the future appointment of a Chief Records Officer, at Assistant Principal Officer level, with responsibility for data management policy and audit.
Closing date is 25 June 2021