The Data Protection Commissioner is to focus on checking whether politicians and religious orders comply with legislation to safeguard the privacy of individuals.
Speaking at the publication of his office's annual report today, the Data Protection Commissioner, Mr Joe Meade, said his office's activity increased by an average of 25 per cent in 2003.
His office received 10,000 queries last year and completed 199 complaints from the 258 received. The office has also received some 140 complaints in the first three months of this year.
Figures provided by the data commissioner indicate that only 108 politicians and political parties are registered with the Office of Data Protection. Registration is required of individuals or bodies who hold and process sensitive information on individuals.
Although the commissioner said it was an offence for such bodies or individuals not to register, he conceded that not all politicians necessarily processed such data.
His office successfully prosecuted two legal firms in 2003 to make them fulfil their statutory requirements under the act and this year his office will concentrate on ensuring compliance by politicians, dentists and religious orders.
Mr Meade today warned he has the power to prosecute anyone who breaches the Data Protection Act.
New data protection legislation came into effect in July 2003, increasing the commissioner's powers and enabling him to carry out audits and inspections.
The commissioner successfully carried out an investigation to ensure that the Garda observed phone-tapping procedures correctly and in line with current legislation.
He also prevented the Minister for Communications from publishing the personal details on the departmental website of individuals who made requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
