Emma Martins (pictured above), Data Protection Commissioner, said the new premises will facilitate the ODPC’s public engagement role.

"My team and I are thrilled to be moving into St Martin’s House. We are mindful of our status as a publicly-funded body and as such have searched for a long time to make sure that we secured the right premises that represent the best value for money.

"There is some internal building work that will go on around us over the summer, and once that’scompleted we will be using the new space to host regular public events to help raise awareness of good data protection practices for the benefit of everyone. We will also be creating a confidential meeting area, which is essential for when we are consulting with members of the public who may have to share deeply personal information with us."

The alterations will include creating a flexible area to accommodate both the Data Protection Authority’s regular board meetings, as well as public events. This will provide space to "proactively engage with more local organisations and individuals with the aim of encouraging innovation and excellence in data protection via regular one-to-one ‘surgeries’, industry forums, themed workshops, along with talks from invited speakers."