IRELAND
The cost of the Irish Government’s controversial Public Services Card has risen to nearly €68 million (A$109.5 million), according to new information given to the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
It comes as sources have indicated that an enforcement order against the Department of Social Protection by the Data Protection Commissioner is “imminent”.
The PAC had sought up-to-date figures from the Department on the cost of the card after Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon ruled it was unlawful to require the card for any benefits or services beyond those offered by the Department.
The Commissioner also said it was illegal for the State to keep data on the more than three million people who had the card.
The new figures were contained in a letter sent to the PAC by Secretary-General of the Department, John McKeon (pictured).
The Commissioner’s report on the card contains eight adverse findings about the project, all of which Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty has rejected.
Asked in Parliament whether she was prepared to go to court to challenge the enforcement order, Ms Doherty said she had not yet made up her mind.
“It is very difficult to tell … with 100 per cent clarity, what we would do until we see that enforcement notice,” Ms Doherty said.
“I can reiterate the legal advice we have – which is numerous – tells us that the legal basis for conducting the production of the card, the retention of the data and the transparency of that entire process is entirely legitimate.”
Dublin, 25 October 2019
