In 2010 following discussions between my Department and the Data Protection Commissioner my Department issued circular 47/2010 which is a Fair Processing Notice to explain how the personal data of students enrolled at post primary schools as at 30th September and which is returned by post-primary schools to the Department of Education and Skills each year, is processed fairly and in compliance with the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2003. Similarly my Department issued circular 17/2014 which is a Fair Processing notice in relation to the Primary Online Database. A copy of both circulars are available on my Department's website.
My Department is in ongoing contact with the Data Protection Commissioners Office in relation to the Primary Online Database. The Department has previously met with and received advice from the Data Protection Commissioners Office in this regard and no issues of concern were raised at that time. My Department will continue to closely consult with and seek the advice of the Commissioner's office.
Individualised databases are now in place covering pre-primary, post-primary, PLC and third level education - the lack of individualised information on primary school pupils presents a very significant data gap for monitoring the progress of learners throughout the education system.
