Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 5

Written Answers. - Data Protection Agency.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

148 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason details requested by a person (details supplied) in County Galway were not released by the Data Protection Agency; the further reason it has taken such a long period of time to have the information sought supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4308/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Deputy will appreciate that, in accordance with the provisions of section 9, Second Schedule, of the Data Protection Act, 1988, the Data Protection Commissioner is independent in the exercise of his functions and accordingly, I am unable to intervene in this matter. However, I understand that an investigation into the matter, to which the Deputy refers, is currently ongoing.