Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

491. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the actions he will take to address the concerns of the Data Protection Commissioner regarding the introduction of the new postcode system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22190/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Data protection issues have been part of the debate on postcodes since the establishment of a National Postcodes Board in 2005 to examine the introduction of postcodes in Ireland. There has been engagement with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner on the issue of postcodes generally at various points since then.

I have stated clearly that the necessary protections will operate around the use of Eircodes to ensure that data protection legislation is complied with. Holders of personal data are bound by Data Protection legislation on how they store and use this data, and the introduction of Eircodes will not alter this obligation.

The necessary actions will be undertaken to ensure that the Eircode project complies with the data protection framework during both the implementation phase of the project and the operational phase post launch in Spring 2015