THE DEPARTMENT of Education says it will revise its arrangements for collecting information from schools after the Data Protection Commission warned it could be in breach of legislation.
In discussions with the commission earlier this year, the department confirmed it would seek parental consent in relation to the collection of sensitive personal data.
On RTÉ's News At Oneyesterday Gary Davis, the Deputy Data Commissioner, said parents were often unaware information given to the schools was forwarded to the department.
This can include sensitive personal information including PPS numbers and medical card status.
In a statement, the Department of Education said any issue brought to its attention by the Data Protection Commissioner was taken seriously. The department said it had worked and continued to work with the commissioner’s office to proof its data processes against the requirements of the legislation.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has also written to three Vocational Education Committees expressing concern over information sought from parents applying to the new VEC primary schools run by them. Admission forms request information on religious beliefs and this information could be shared with neighbouring schools.
