Ireland’s cross-border justice system is entering a major new phase, with gov.ie confirming the appointment of Helen Martin as the first Director of Criminal Justice International Cooperation. The move, announced by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, marks a significant step in preparing the State for new EU rules on electronic evidence and digital criminal investigations.
Martin will lead the newly created Office of Criminal Justice International Cooperation, a body designed to simplify how electronic evidence is requested, reviewed and enforced between EU member states. Her appointment comes just days after the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Act 2026 was signed into law by the President on 15 July 2026.
gov.ie appointment strengthens Ireland’s digital justice framework
According to the announcement on gov.ie, the new office will play a central role in implementing the EU e-Evidence Package in Ireland. This package includes both the e-Evidence Regulation and e-Evidence Directive, which together create a legal framework for obtaining digital evidence across borders during criminal investigations.
The Department of Justice said the office will act as the competent authority for several functions under the new rules. In practice, that means it will:
- Receive and assess notifications under the e-Evidence Regulation
- Enforce European Production Orders
- Enforce European Preservation Orders
- Support cross-border criminal investigations involving electronic evidence
This is especially important for Ireland because many global technology companies have their European headquarters here. As a result, the volume of evidence requests involving service providers in the State is expected to be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of production orders each year.
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Why Helen Martin’s appointment matters
Helen Martin brings extensive regulatory, legal and public service experience to the role. She is currently a member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), where she has responsibility for data and digital regulation, consumer protection, and legal oversight. Her background also includes serving as chief executive of the Charities Regulator from 2019 to 2024.
Her legal and governance credentials include:
- Barrister-at-Law qualification from King’s Inns
- Bachelor of Civil Law from UCD
- Specialist qualifications in enforcement law, judicial skills, leadership and corporate governance
- Service on the National Disability Authority (NDA) Audit and Risk Committee
The appointment followed a Top Level Appointments Committee process run through the Public Appointments Service, underlining the senior strategic importance of the new post.
EU e-Evidence rules and Ireland’s wider policy goals
The new office is not just a legal development; it is also tied to Ireland’s broader digital policy ambitions. The government has linked the project to Digital Ireland, the national digital and AI strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s reputation as a European hub for regulation, innovation and trusted technology governance.
This work will likely intersect with other major public bodies over time, including the Data Protection Commission (DPC), An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Department of the Taoiseach on wider digital policy coordination. It also adds to the growing ecosystem of Irish regulators and agencies dealing with online platforms, cross-border compliance and enforcement.
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When do the new EU rules begin?
The e-Evidence Regulation will apply across the European Union from 18 August 2026. Once in force, authorities in one EU member state will be able to direct requests for electronic evidence to service providers based in another member state, subject to the safeguards and procedures laid down in EU law.
For Ireland, that means the new office will sit at the centre of a fast-moving area of criminal justice, digital regulation and international cooperation.
Conclusion
The gov.ie announcement of Helen Martin’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for Ireland’s justice and digital regulation landscape. With the new Office of Criminal Justice International Cooperation now taking shape, the State is positioning itself to manage complex electronic evidence requests more effectively, support EU criminal investigations and reinforce Ireland’s standing as a key regulatory centre for the digital age.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
