Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In June this year, the Data Protection Commission wrote to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in regard to his Department's handling of subject access requests, SARs, from survivors of mother and baby homes. The commission told the Minister: "Concerning SI 82/1989, I have had reason to re-examine the Department's approach to SARs pertaining to health data and I am of the view that the manner in which the Department is handling such requests is not appropriate to the circumstances." In September, the Minister, in response to the Adoption (Information) Bill brought forward by Deputy Connolly and me, told us we would have this Bill before the House by Christmas. In November, the European Commission opened an investigation into the general data protection regulation, GDPR, matter and the Department told the Commission that it is anticipated that the new regulations will be in place by the end of the year.

We have seen nothing yet, despite it being prioritised by the Chief Whip's legislative programme for the term. When will the Government get this done? Will the Taoiseach ensure that the proposed section 10(2), which seeks to limit and continue the same unlawful block on direct access is removed? Most importantly, in the meantime, will the Taoiseach ensure that the Department desists from its unlawful application of SI 82/1989?

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