Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not a supporter of the banking inquiry. I set out my reasons for this on previous occasions. I do not think that engaging in such an inquiry is a job for politicians. I also do not believe that there will be public satisfaction with regard to its outcome. That said, I do not approve of the complete disregard the European Central Bank and others have displayed towards the Irish parliamentary process. This issue highlights the new power relationship that exists between Ireland, as a small member state of the European Union, and the European bureaucracy.

I wish to raise the issue of the new personal data collection rules proposed by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of primary schools. A number of primary school principals have brought to my attention their concerns regarding the scope of the information being collected and whether this will be shared with other organisations. At present, primary schools collect certain data relating to the age, addresses, PPS numbers, etc., of students. This information is used for identification purposes. The Department is proposing that primary school principals should collect new data on students and record this on the proposed primary online database system, which can be viewed by departmental officials. There will be different categories of personal data held. These will include personal data shared between a school and the Department, as is currently the case; and sensitive personal data shared between a school and the Department - this is a new category which will include information on students' race and religion and those of their parents. Previously, the only organisation which recorded such information was the Central Statistics Office in the form of the highly confidential census. Now a Department of State is proposing to collect and store this information.

The Department of Education and Skills has defended the proposal by stating that it will use pupil data in categories 1 and 2 for planning, policy and statistical purposes. While I support the legitimate collection of information for such purposes, a number of major questions relating to this matter remain unanswered. For example, with what other State bodies will the Department be sharing the sensitive data of primary school students and for what purpose? Why is the Department proposing to retain personal data in categories 1 and 2 for each pupil up to the period of the pupil's 30th birthday? I would like to hear from the Minister for Education and Skills on this matter.

I will not be requesting a debate on the most recent comments of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, on abortion. All I will say is that it is sad to see this political change of tack on his part. I am also saddened by the fact that the Minister is lending his support to what are really destructive elements in our society. This is an unwelcome development but, thankfully, the people will be required to have their say on any change in this area. The much-maligned Eighth Amendment to the Constitution at least ensures that we are in a situation where only the people can decide. When unprincipled politicians continually shift their ground - under the guise of compassion - it is just as well that the people must be consulted.