Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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530. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11088/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was in direct contact with my Department in relation to this matter and a response was issued to him in August 2020 addressing all the matters he raised.

The Department has obligations to safeguard data and official information which are set out in a range of legislative and administrative provisions. These provisions include the Official Secrets Act 1963, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. There are obligations, for instance, in relation to the confidentiality of official information, protection of personal data and the protection of records against unauthorised access or disclosure.

The Department has acknowledged the errors that were made in the handling of the case in question and have offered sincere apologies to the person concerned.

The pension arrears due to the late mother of the person concerned were paid to the estate in July 2020.

The Department is satisfied that, through the payment of an ex gratiapayment, interest on the pension arrears was applied in an appropriate manner.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.