Data Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (579)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform 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. [21240/22]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that the CCTV cameras or face recognition technology referenced in the question are not used by my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement.

With regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the CCTV cameras or face recognition technology referenced are not used by the National Shared Services Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, the State Laboratory or the Office of the National Lottery Regulator. The position in respect of the Public Appointments Service is set out in the table below. Finally, I have been advised that the Office of Public Works will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Public Appointments Service (PAS)

PAS uses Hikvsion CCTV cameras. However, this does not use facial recognition technology. In addition, PAS have an appropriate CCTV usage policy in place, which has been approved by its Data Protection Officer.