Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that a number of concerns were raised in the past. There always will be issues with a new system but with regard to the Data Protection Commissioner, as part of the Department's approach to the introduction of Eircodes, communications between the two have addressed the implementation, dissemination and commercialisation of Eircodes to ensure adherence to all pertinent data protection legislation. The Data Protection Commissioner's office has been advised of and has noted the rationale and policy justification for the approach suggested for the Eircode roll-out and implementation. However, I believe the key point regarding the roll-out is the intricate - I will not use that word and even am struggling with English words these days - the intrinsic link between An Post and the system. It will be part of the roll-out and its expertise and knowledge base is absolutely paramount to the success of this project because it has its GeoDirectory and has the information whereby postal staff on the ground know precisely where the people are. Consequently, An Post is a key and integral part of this development.

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