Most breaches received were low-level with no further action required. However, the ODPC has a heavy caseload of ongoing investigations into breaches and complaints that do require further action.

There has also been a specific increase in hacking-related incidents and in particular, hackers gaining control of email accounts.

"The continued high levels of compliance by local organisations when reporting these incidents is to be welcomed. We recognise that it may not come naturally for organisations to inform regulators when things don’t go to plan and we understand that having confidence in my Office and the way in which such matters are handled is vital," Emma Martins, the Data Protection Commissioner, said.

"Taking a proactive approach in this area will help to enhance confidence in the organisations handling our personal data. It also provides my Office with extremely useful insight about the types and nature of breaches, which in turn enables us to target our education and compliance programme in a meaningful and effective way."