Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019
274. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of co-operation she and her officials are having with the Data Protection Commissioner regarding its investigation of the public services card; if she has considered suspending the issuing of cards until the Commissioner publishes the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3484/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2017, the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) initiated an investigation to assess the legal basis for the processing of data in connection with the Public Services Card (PSC) and other related matters.
The DPC provided a draft report on the PSC to my Department in late August 2018. The draft report requested further information and clarifications on a broad range of areas. The DPC gave strict instructions that the Department should not disclose the draft report to any other party and this request was respected.
My Department cooperated fully and provided a comprehensive response to the DPC’s draft report on 30th November 2018 and we now await the Commissioner's response.
My Department will continue to issue PSCs in accordance with the SAFE 2 registration process as set out in legislation.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
