Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
721. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection if he had correspondence with the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the ability of a Minister or a Department to comment on an individual case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/16]
View answerI confirm that to date neither the Department nor I have had correspondence with the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the ability of a Minister or a Department to comment on an individual case.
The Department does not comment on individual cases and it takes its data protection responsibilities with the utmost seriousness.
It is my intention to seek guidance from the Data Protection Commissioner about what can be done when it comes to correcting factual (rather than personal) information put into the public domain that is not true or not the whole truth.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
