Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Does the term "relevant person" include community welfare officers, who administer the rent allowance scheme in many instances? I am sure local authorities would need information from community welfare officers regarding landlords and so on. If this is so, the term "relevant person" should include community welfare officers. Are they covered by data protection legislation? Community welfare officers and officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs will not give information to public representatives and officials of local authorities.