I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 33 together.
My Department received the Data Protection Commissioner's draft investigation report in respect of the Public Services Card in August 2018.
The draft report contained a number of provisional findings and requested further information and clarifications on certain matters. The Department was specifically asked by the office of the Data Protection Commissioner not to share the draft report with any other party and it intends to abide by that request.
My Department was also given an opportunity to make submissions on the draft report so that the Commissioner could take account of such matters in their further considerations and in finalising their report. Those detailed and comprehensive submissions were provided in late November 2018. A response from the Commissioner is now awaited.
I can confirm that neither myself nor any of my officials have discussed the matter of the publication of the full final report with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner since 3rd of April last.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.