Menu
30/03/2015
FF Bring Legislation To Stop Councils Handing Over Tenant Data
Fianna Fáil are to publish legislation that will seek to prohibit local authorities from handing over tenant data to Irish Water, without expressing consent.
Under the Water Service Act 2013, the government made it a legal requirement for local authorities to hand over tenant data to the water company.
Fianna Fáil want to amend the Act to make it a legal requirement for authorities to seek the consent of the people concerned before any information is exchanged.
Deputy Sean Fleming said: "A number of local authorities have written to councillors in recent days to advise that tenant information has been handed over to Irish Water. The information is being handed over without the consent of tenants and little to no consultation is taking place with the locally elected councillors.
"In the case of Wexford County Council the details of over 4,000 local authority tenants was handed over to despite councillors having already passed a motion prohibiting the council from handing over tenant data to Irish Water. However the information was passed over as the government made it a legal requirement under the Water Services Act 2013 for local authorities to pass on the information to Irish Water.
"Fianna Fáil is opposed to the practice of local authorities handing over sensitive tenant data to Irish Water. During the debate on the Water Services Bill 2013 we voted to deny access to data requests by Irish Water. Semi-state companies in Ireland are not entitled to seek tenant data from local authorities and no exception should be made for Irish Water.
"The legislation we are bringing forward will amend Section 26 of the Water Services Act 2013 to ensure that tenant information is not handed over to the council without the consent of the people concerned.
"It is unacceptable that Irish Water is extracting sensitive information from local authorities without the consent of either the individual concerned or elected representatives. The situation is inherently undemocratic and the practice of handing over information without consent must end."
(MH/CD)
Under the Water Service Act 2013, the government made it a legal requirement for local authorities to hand over tenant data to the water company.
Fianna Fáil want to amend the Act to make it a legal requirement for authorities to seek the consent of the people concerned before any information is exchanged.
Deputy Sean Fleming said: "A number of local authorities have written to councillors in recent days to advise that tenant information has been handed over to Irish Water. The information is being handed over without the consent of tenants and little to no consultation is taking place with the locally elected councillors.
"In the case of Wexford County Council the details of over 4,000 local authority tenants was handed over to despite councillors having already passed a motion prohibiting the council from handing over tenant data to Irish Water. However the information was passed over as the government made it a legal requirement under the Water Services Act 2013 for local authorities to pass on the information to Irish Water.
"Fianna Fáil is opposed to the practice of local authorities handing over sensitive tenant data to Irish Water. During the debate on the Water Services Bill 2013 we voted to deny access to data requests by Irish Water. Semi-state companies in Ireland are not entitled to seek tenant data from local authorities and no exception should be made for Irish Water.
"The legislation we are bringing forward will amend Section 26 of the Water Services Act 2013 to ensure that tenant information is not handed over to the council without the consent of the people concerned.
"It is unacceptable that Irish Water is extracting sensitive information from local authorities without the consent of either the individual concerned or elected representatives. The situation is inherently undemocratic and the practice of handing over information without consent must end."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2016
Irish Water Must Not Bill Homes With Boil Water Notice - SF
Householders living in areas with a boil water notice must not be billed by Irish Water, Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Pat Buckley, has said.
Irish Water Must Not Bill Homes With Boil Water Notice - SF
Householders living in areas with a boil water notice must not be billed by Irish Water, Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Pat Buckley, has said.
26 November 2015
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
Govt Accused Of Putting Lives At Risk With Water Treatment System
The government has been accused of putting lives at risk with its "failure" to put in place a 21st century water treatment system. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the comment following the publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Urban Waste Water Report for 2014.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
25 August 2015
TEEU Calls For Govt To Abolish Water Charges
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) is calling on the Government to abolish water charges with immediate effect. The union made the call after it revealed it had joined the Right2Water Campaign.
TEEU Calls For Govt To Abolish Water Charges
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) is calling on the Government to abolish water charges with immediate effect. The union made the call after it revealed it had joined the Right2Water Campaign.
21 January 2010
Taps Run Dry In Co Clare
Water has been shut off in Tulla and Broadford in Co Clare today and will stay off until 4pm and again tonight from 8pm to 8am. Problems in the Shannon area will also mean that water will be turned off there from 12 noon to 5.00pm and again from 8pm to 8am.
Taps Run Dry In Co Clare
Water has been shut off in Tulla and Broadford in Co Clare today and will stay off until 4pm and again tonight from 8pm to 8am. Problems in the Shannon area will also mean that water will be turned off there from 12 noon to 5.00pm and again from 8pm to 8am.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
