Executive Summary

Data Protection is the safeguarding of the privacy rights of individuals in relation to the processing of personal data, in both paper and electronic format. The Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 (the “Data Protection Acts”) lay down strict rules about the way in which personal data and sensitive personal data are collected, accessed, used and disclosed. The Data Protection Acts also permit individuals to access their personal data on request, and confer on individuals the right to have their personal data amended if found to be incorrect.

Kildare Local Authorities takes it's responsibilities in relation to data protection very seriously. In response to our Data Protection responsibilities the following is a summary of our activities in this area:

a)   A steering group of 'Data Controllers' has been formed. Each section has appointed a senior member of staff to take on the role of Data Controller for that section under the auspices a nominated Director of Service.

b)   All staff has been given data protection awareness training, and training has been added as part of the standard induction training for new staff in the organisation. Individual staff members have a responsibility for the information they collect and the manner in which it is stored, edited, deleted and disclosed.

c)   A mechanism for inquiries in relation to personal data held by Kildare Local Authorities can be obtained by writing to 'The Data Protection Access Officer', Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, Co. Kildare.