Data Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1231)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a piece of surveillance technology (details supplied) is being used by his Department or any agencies under his remit in view of the fact that there are security and privacy concerns associated with the use of same; the data protection policies on the use of artificial intelligence with respect to instances in which this technology is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21236/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department occupies properties providing by the Property Management Services in the Office of Public Works, which acts as an agent for all Government Departments. None is equipped with facial recognition devices.

The information in respect of the state bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department.  Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with her query.

Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Name of Body	Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireacthas	Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members
Higher Education Authority	[e-mail]	Padraic Mellett*
Irish Research Council( Note 1)	[e-mail]	Padraic Mellett*
Grangegorman Development Agency	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
SOLAS	[e-mail]	Maria Walsh [e-mail]
Skillnets Ltd	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
Quality and Qualifications Ireland	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
Science Foundation Ireland	[e-mail]	Ciara Cotter

Question No. 1232 answered with Question No. 1228.