James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1020. To ask the Minister for Health the steps and procedures being taken in the transfer of Console clients' files to ensure the protection of confidentiality and consent of clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24429/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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On the 14 of July, the HSE confirmed that after discussion Pieta House had agreed to commence provision of services previously available through Console. These services comprise the 24/7 Suicide Helpline, the Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and the Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service. Throughout this process, the importance of ensuring the protection of individual clients’ confidentiality was a priority, regardless of who is providing the service.

To this end, all HSE and public service staff have responsibilities under Data Protection legislation. These responsibilities include ensuring that personal data, such as medical records, is:

- used and shared both appropriately and legally;

- stored securely;

- not disclosed to unauthorised third parties; and

- disposed of appropriately when no longer required.

Compliance with Data Protection Legislation has been included in the HSE Controls Assurance Statement which is signed by senior managers in the annual Health Service internal control review process.

In addition, any organisation providing services on behalf of the HSE who may have access to service user’s personal information must sign the HSE’s Service Provider Confidentiality Agreement.

These controls help to ensure that each client's confidentiality is protected. For further information, as this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.