Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
661. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to protect the confidentiality of the clients of the suicide charity, Console, in the aftermath of its collapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22588/16]
View answerOn the 14 of July, the HSE confirmed that Pieta House will commence providing the services previously provided by Console with immediate effect. These services comprise the 24/7 Suicide Helpline, the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and the Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service. While the main priority is to ensure the seamless continuation of services provided by Console, it is important to also ensure the protection of individual clients’ confidentiality, regardless of who is providing the service.
To this end, all HSE and public service staff have responsibilities under Data Protection legislation. These responsibilities include ensuring that personal data, such as medical records, is:
- used and shared both appropriately and legally;
- stored securely;
- not disclosed to unauthorised third parties; and
- disposed of appropriately when no longer required.
Compliance with Data Protection Legislation has been included in the HSE Controls Assurance Statement which is signed by senior managers in the annual Health Service internal control review process.
In addition any organisation providing services on behalf of the HSE who may have access to service user’s personal information must sign the HSE's Service Provider Confidentiality Agreement.
These controls will help to ensure that each client's confidentiality is protected.
