Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 4

Written Answers. - Right to Privacy.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

89 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance if powers exist for a local authority to uncover details of a citizen's social welfare payment arrangements or taxation arrangements with the Revenue Commissioners in view of the fact that this matter is causing huge resentment among citizens who cherish the privacy which traditionally is associated with a person's personal financial arrangements other than dealing directly with the Department of Social, Community and Fam ily Affairs or the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners as required. [12778/02]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that under Revenue's charter of rights, all information provided by citizens, both business and personal is treated in the strictest confidence and used only for purposes allowed by law. Furthermore, there is no situation whereby details of a citizen's social welfare payment arrangements or other personal financial arrangements are made known to or shared with any local authority or a third party without the express permission – signed authorisation of the citizen concerned. In certain instances, a citizen may give such authorisation to exchange information with an appointed third party, e.g. an agent or representative to expedite the processing of a claim, etc. In the absence of such authorisation, no details may be given.

Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 32.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 47.