Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views regarding the sharing of personal data between Government Departments and public bodies; his views that change is required to the data protection legislation in view of the need to improve co-operation between Government Departments as part of public sector reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3779/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Currently, personal data is shared between Government Departments and public bodies if required to allow them fulfil their objectives in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Such sharing has always required firstly that the data is being shared in accordance with law, including data protection legislation, and secondly that the most stringent precautions are taken to preserve the security of the data.

As part of the Public Service Reform Plan, published on 17th November 2011, a commitment was given that during the first half of 2012 there would be a review of all relevant legislative provisions in relation to data sharing between public bodies and that principles would be developed for the sharing of data. This review was to have regard to data protection legislation including forthcoming EU legislation and to consider any amendments which may be necessary in this regard. I understand that draft EU legislation to replace the existing Directive will be published very shortly, perhaps even this week, and this will then allow the proposed legislative review to commence.