Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
335. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will review current GDPR policies to ensure data sharing is possible and more streamlined between State agencies where serious safeguarding issues are highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26828/23]
View answerThe fundamental rules and protections of data protection law must be taken into account in the context of all instances where individuals’ personal data are shared in a public sector context. State Agencies processing personal data are independent data controllers and responsible for complying with data protection obligations.
My Department has recently published the General Scheme for the Health Information Bill, which when passed will introduce a new legislative provision for the sharing of data in healthcare and social care settings taking into account GDPR policies and privacy.
I and my Department take the risk of abuse of vulnerable adults in healthcare and social care contexts very seriously, and various structures and processes are available to protect against abuse and ensure prompt action. To further strengthen the current framework, my Department is developing a national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. I expect that the issues that will be addressed in this sectoral policy will include inter-agency co-operation, including appropriate sharing of data, for adult safeguarding purposes, taking into account GDPR policies and privacy.
