Data Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2018

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Questions (116)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of section 4 of the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2003 applications for access to copies of personal data processed by An Garda Síochána in the past five years; the number of applications granted, part granted and refused respectively; the number of appeals processed for a refusal to release data; the number of cases that were appealed to the Data Protection Commissioner's office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10227/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The information sought by the Deputy is currently not to hand.  A request has been made to the Garda Commissioner and when the information is received I will write to the Deputy directly.

I wish to make clear to the Deputy that the collation and retention of records, responding to requests for personal data, are all operational matters for the Garda Commissioner. The control, direction and operation of An Garda Síochána is not subject to the powers of my office and these are limitations which must be respected.

The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.