Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2017
668. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on whether her Department should not only acknowledge but offer an apology to a person (details supplied) after the Data Commissioner has found that her Department failed in its duty of care to protect information and personal data that it held on the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department takes customer privacy very seriously, works diligently to protect customer data, and has in place a suite of measures to support data protection and information security awareness and compliance. As custodian of personal information, staff members of the Department are reminded continuously about the importance of information security and to be vigilant and aware of data protection legal obligations. If there is a breach of data, the incident is investigated and corrective measures are put in place, in accordance with data protection legislation.
The incident involving this person was fully investigated, in the course of which a number of communications issued to the person. He received a number of written apologies and a Department official met with the person and again apologised. In addition, the person was registered for a Public Service Card, thus providing identity verification up to Safe Level 2, which reduces the potential for fraudulent use.
