BRUSSELS — The European Commission said it is “not empowered to take action” amid concerns about the appointment of a former tech lobbyist to Ireland’s privacy regulator.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties — a nonprofit transparency campaign group — on Tuesday filed a complaint calling on the Commission to launch an inquiry into how Niamh Sweeney was appointed to co-lead the Irish Data Protection Commission.
Citing reporting from POLITICO, the complaint alleges the appointment process “lacked procedural safeguards against conflicts of interest and political interference.”
It’s the first formal challenge to the decision after Sweeney took up her role as one of three chief regulators at Ireland’s top data regulator this month. Her prior experience as a lobbyist for Facebook and WhatsApp reignited concerns that the regulator is too close to Big Tech.
In response to the complaint, Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said that “it is for the member states to appoint members to their respective data protection authorities.”
The Commission “is not involved in this process and is not empowered to take action with respect to those appointments,” Mercier told a daily press briefing Tuesday.
He emphasized that countries do need to respect requirements set out in EU law — that the appointment process must be “transparent,” and that those appointed should “have the qualifications, the experience, the skills, in particular in the protection of personal data, required to perform their duties and to exercise their powers.”
The complaint asked the Commission to look into the appointment as part of its duties to oversee the application of EU law, claiming these responsibilities had not been met by Ireland.
Sweeney was appointed by the Irish government on the advice of the Public Appointments Service, the authority that provides recruitment services for public jobs, which has previously expressed its full confidence in the process.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/flags-wave-in-front-of-montreal-s-city-hall-in-the-old-port.jpg?id=56705511&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-jobs" target="_blank">Job hunting in Montreal</a> can be tough, but if you're looking for stability, the <a href="https://montreal.ca/en/jobs" target="_blank">City of Montreal</a> might have just what you need. </p><p>With over 130 new openings in the past few weeks — ranging from specialized manual labour to office jobs — there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Whether you're after a career change, a reliable government position, or simply a way to pay the bills, you might just find the perfect fit.</p><p>Best of all? Many of these jobs offer competitive salaries and don't require a university degree.</p><p>Here's a look at a few recently posted positions.</p><h3>Customer Service Agent</h3><br/><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $45,153 – $60,693<br/><strong>Location:</strong> 35 rue de Port-Royal Est, Montreal<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> Day shift (7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) or evening shift (2:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)</p><p>The city is seeking customer service agents to handle citizen inquiries about parking, street spaces, and enforcement. Responsibilities include logging requests, providing information on parking regulations, and coordinating response teams. </p><p>A high school diploma and two years of customer service experience are required. Being bilingual is an asset.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4179521017" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3> 911 Emergency Call Agent – Montreal Police (SPVM)</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $55,627 – $73,578<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Montreal (near metro stations)<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 35 hours/week, rotating shifts (day, evening, night, weekends)</p><p>As a 911 operator, you'll be the first point of contact in emergencies, assessing calls and dispatching the appropriate services. This high-stakes role requires strong multitasking skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and fluency in French and English. </p><p>A high school diploma and two years of experience in a fast-paced environment are required. Training starts May 12, 2025.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=4146411216&f_C=449259&keywords=ville%20de%20montr%C3%A9al&location=worldwide&trk=job-results_see-all-jobs-link" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Communications Officer – Montreal Police (SPVM)</h3><br><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Salary:</strong> $59,834 – $100,222<br/><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Location:</strong> 1441 rue Saint-Urbain, Montreal<br/><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Hours:</strong> 35 hours/week, hybrid option</p><p>Montreal police are seeking someone to manage media relations, develop communication strategies, and handle social media for the SPVM. Responsibilities include drafting press materials, coordinating interviews, and monitoring media coverage.</p><p> A bachelor's degree in communications (or equivalent) and two years of experience are required. Strong writing skills and bilingualism are assets.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4172220245" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Gardener</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $34.22/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Across Montreal<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> Variable (day, evening, weekends)</p><p>This hands-on role focuses on maintaining and enhancing Montreal's green spaces, from parks to sidewalk planters. Duties include planting, pruning, and applying plant treatments. </p><p>A diploma in ornamental horticulture and a driver's license are preferred, but candidates still completing their studies may apply. The work is outdoors in all weather conditions.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4135628070" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Maintenance Worker</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $30.25/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Across Montreal<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 36 hours/week (3-5 days, various shifts)</p><p>This hands-on role involves street repairs, landscaping, waste collection, and facility maintenance. Tasks range from filling potholes to snow removal support. A high school diploma or vocational training and six months of manual labour experience are required. </p><p>A Class 5 driver's license is needed, with higher classes considered an asset.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4130157923" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Aquatic Coordinator – Côte-des-Neiges/NDG</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $29.21 – $36.45/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Various aquatic facilities in the borough<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 35 hours/week, variable schedule (days, evenings, weekends)</p><p>This summer position involves overseeing aquatic staff, ensuring public safety, and maintaining pool facilities. Responsibilities include supervising lifeguards, managing schedules, and enforcing safety regulations.</p><p> A high school diploma, two years of aquatic supervision experience, and certifications in first aid, lifeguarding, and swim instruction are required.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4177273659" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Office Agent – Montreal Police (SPVM)</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $41,176 – $55,793<br/><strong>Location:</strong> 5000 rue D’Iberville, Montreal<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 70 hours over two weeks, hybrid (one remote day per week)</p><p>This administrative role involves managing equipment requests, coordinating uniform fittings, processing procurement orders, and handling customer service inquiries. </p><p>A high school diploma and one year of experience in office administration or customer service are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and the GARE system is an asset. Some physical tasks related to equipment handling are involved.</p><h3>Trainer – Heavy Equipment Operations</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $40.06/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> 5035 rue De Rouen, Montreal (free parking, near metro)<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 36 hours/week (Monday - Thursday or Tuesday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)</p><p>This role involves training municipal employees in the operation of heavy vehicles and equipment. Responsibilities include developing training programs, teaching safe equipment use, and evaluating trainees. </p><p>A high school diploma or vocational training in trucking or heavy machinery, two years of relevant experience, and a Class 3 driver's license are required. A Class 1 license must be obtained within the probation period.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4178129028" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Painter</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $36.11/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> 6000 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 36 hours/week, Monday to Thursday, 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.</p><p>This job involves preparing surfaces, mixing and applying paint, and refinishing furniture across municipal buildings. </p><p>A high school diploma, two years of commercial or institutional painting experience, a Class 5 driver's license, and a construction site safety certificate are required. Certification from the CCQ or Emploi Québec is an asset.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4171058044" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Plumber</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $39.37/hour<br/><strong>Location:</strong> 3444 boulevard Saint-Joseph Est, Montreal (free parking)<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 36 hours/week, Monday to Thursday, 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.</p><p>The city is looking for a plumber to repair and upgrade plumbing systems across municipal buildings, including arenas, libraries, and public pools. Responsibilities include installing new fixtures, inspecting backflow devices, and managing seasonal plumbing operations. </p><p>A vocational diploma in plumbing, two years of experience, a Class 5 driver's license, and a trade certification from Emploi Québec or the CCQ are required.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4177274486" target="_blank">Apply here</a></p><h3>Specialized Camp Assistant – Saint-Laurent</h3><br><p><strong>Salary:</strong> $17.98/hour (+10% for evenings and weekends)<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Saint-Laurent (various recreational facilities)<br/><strong>Hours:</strong> 40 hours/week (June 25 – August 15), plus training in May and wrap-up in August</p><p>This seasonal role involves supervising children in day camps, with a focus on integrating those with special needs. Responsibilities include facilitating social inclusion, leading activities, and ensuring safety. </p><p>A high school diploma, CPR/first aid certification, and three months of experience in youth work are required. Training in specialized education or related fields is an asset.</p></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br><p>Looking for something part-time?</p><p>The city has also posted dozens of internships and jobs for Montreal students. The full list of vacant roles is available on the <a href="https://simenligne.montreal.ca/OA_HTML/RF.jsp?function_id=1011530&resp_id=23350&resp_appl_id=800&security_group_id=0&lang_code=FRC&oas=E5Dyb00lYvqjmcO6Hmp08A..¶ms=78Yf57C4XSZOMFAg6ESOdTqziLKxVJYVFVWXogPijaRd67sVhNa2ic-20jG1-lSI" target="_blank">Ville de Montréal website</a>.</p>
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