Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 February 2003

Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill 2002: Second Stage.

 

We should not underestimate, however, the legal complexities and obstacles to be surmounted in proceeding with this proposal. As such, it is not something that can be countenanced for the Bill because it requires detailed further analysis from both the legal and commercial viewpoints as well as the agreement and assistance of the industry. A number of issues must be considered, not least of which is the legal and constitutional right to privacy enjoyed by all and also the institutions' duty of confidentiality to their customers. The second major consideration is the commercial viability of the establishment and maintenance of such a database. However, as there is merit in the proposal, the Minister for Finance has asked his officials to examine the matter further and discuss with the industry and the Office of the Attorney General the pros and cons of such a proposal. As he sees it, the centralised large volumes of personal data would not only have to be legally permissible but also cost-effective and user-friendly to warrant pursuing the exercise. I assure Senators that this matter is still under consideration as a short-term objective.

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