Data Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Questions (506)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

506. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the changing nature of the information which is contained on IT hardware that may be seized by the Revenue Sheriff is presenting a direct conflict with existing data protection legislation, in particular, the obligation placed upon data holders to ensure that third party data is held securely and privately and the fact that this obligation becomes impossible to adhere to when equipment has been seized; if he is planning amending legislation to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5084/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As I stated in responses to earlier Parliamentary Questions from the Deputy, Revenue Sheriffs are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003. This means, for example, that they must take appropriate security measures against unauthorised access to, or unauthorised alteration, disclosure or destruction of personal data coming into their possession. Where computer equipment containing personal data has been seized, such data should be returned under secure conditions to the person from whom the equipment was seized unless there is a legitimate reason for non-return of the data. The Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 are in full compliance with the European Union's Data Protection Directive.