Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Over time, people are becoming increasingly concerned and protective as to how personal information is provided and regarding the purpose for which it is used. Parents are aware that information gathered under the POD system, to which schools also will have access, will be retained by the Department until the child is 30 years of age. That behoves the Department to ensure the way it goes about establishing this system is done correctly. Unfortunately, what I appear to be hearing from the Minister and what Members appear to be gathering is that the circular provided to schools, on which they were asked to collect this information from parents, is now being revised because the Department of Education and Skills did not get it correct in the first place. If this is the case, it is a matter of concern. Can the Minister clarify whether this is the case? Does the Minister intend to issue another circular revising the terms and conditions for the POD and for which schools have been asked to collect this information from parents? If this is the case, why has the Minister not asked for a pause in respect of the collection of this information? It is important that this point be clarified and that reassurance be given to the many people who have concerns as to the type of information that is being gathered and how it will be kept for a significant number of years.

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