Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It came to my attention approximately two weeks ago that Dublin Institute of Technology, DIT, intended to have all of its access programme students Garda vetted. The programme aims to provide second-chance education, often for students from poor socio-economic backgrounds. What is happening is alarming and discriminatory. Dublin Institute of Technology is singling out a cohort of students and determining, for some reason, that they need to be Garda vetted. I wrote to the president of the institute, Professor Brian Norton, whose response was unsatisfactory. He admits that, in terms of the blanket collection of data, only 10% of the students will undertake restricted access courses. They will be Garda vetted when they start their degree programmes. Will the Leader invite the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Dara Murphy, who has responsibility for data protection to come to the House to discuss the issue because I believe Dublin Institute of Technology is in breach of data protection laws. In the response I have received from Professor Norton he admits that the information is being collected on the basis that it "might" be relevant for a percentage of students in the future if they choose to continue their studies in the institute. Under sections 2A and 2B of the Data Protection Act, sensitive personal data may only be collected where it is necessary for a particular purpose. It is clear that Garda vetting in gaining access to education is not necessary for a particular purpose. I have written to the Data Protection Commissioner to request that his office look into the matter. I have also written to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission about it. However, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Dara Murphy, both have a role to play, particularly given the promises made by the former to increase access to education for those from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. This measure is counterproductive in the context of the work the Minister is trying to do in this regard. If I were telling the House that a group of Travellers or non-nationals had been singled out for Garda vetting, Members would be saying it was racist and discriminatory. However, because this involves class discrimination, the matter is not receiving the attention it deserves. It merits a conversation. We should request that Dublin Institute of Technology reverse this decision and stop blocking young people from entering education.