Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

I wish to raise the issue of data protection, specifically the advanced leaking of the report of the Data Protection Commissioner. I have raised previously in the House the issue of data protection. It was only some weeks ago when we heard that personal and confidential details of bank customers went missing. The laptops on which this information was stored were stolen and it was only belatedly reported by the banks. It would appear from the leaks emanating from the Data Protection Commissioner's report that the pattern of a casual approach to data protection by businesses and the private sector is widespread. Several examples of this approach were reported in the media this morning which were itemised in the Data Protection Commissioner's report. I have not had a chance to examine the report but I wish to record the concerns that many people share about this news.

We live in an age when the volume of personal and confidential information on each of us is unprecedented. The storage and communication of that confidential information by electronic means leaves all of us exposed to having it potentially accessible and in the public domain unless there are very tight data protection measures and safeguards in place. The leaks from the Data Protection Commissioner's report highlight that there are no sanctions in place for companies against which the Data Protection Commissioner rules. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House and discuss the very sensitive issue of data protection and the possible measures to ensure that where there is a clear and obvious breach of the legislation, those responsible are sanctioned? If this were the case, banks and other institutions would be more careful to protect our confidential, personal information.