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).
28 June 2018
Demand For Water 'Critically High'
Demand for water remains "critically high", with Irish Water urging the public to conserve water while the prolonged dry spell that has been predicted by Met Éireann, continues.
Demand For Water 'Critically High'
Demand for water remains "critically high", with Irish Water urging the public to conserve water while the prolonged dry spell that has been predicted by Met Éireann, continues.
16 October 2024
Boil Water Notice Still In Place In Limerick
The boil water notice issued to Uisce Eireann customers supplied by the Cappamore Foileen Public Water Supply remains in effect. This notice, which was first issued on 26 September 2023 as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 2,300 customers, was put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
Boil Water Notice Still In Place In Limerick
The boil water notice issued to Uisce Eireann customers supplied by the Cappamore Foileen Public Water Supply remains in effect. This notice, which was first issued on 26 September 2023 as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 2,300 customers, was put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
