Audits follow reports of data leaks

INSURANCE companies are to come under the scrutiny of data protection officials following news reports over the illegal disclosure of sensitive personal information by gardaí and the Department for Social Welfare civil servants.

Data Protection Commissioner Billy Hawkes yesterday announced he would be meeting insurance firm bosses next week while a series of audits will be carried out at insurers in the coming months.

The announcement follows Sunday Tribune allegations over insurance companies obtaining personal information from the gardaí and from the Department for Social Welfare to settle claims early or to check on the background of claimants.

“I believe that the insurance sector takes its data protection responsibilities seriously, but that there are areas where compliance may need to be improved,” said Mr Hawkes.

“My office plans to carry out audits of a number of companies in the sector over the coming months, with a view to identifying and correcting any departure from the requirements of the Data Protection Acts.”

The findings would be used to draw up a code of practice that is being developed by the Irish Insurance Federation in conjunction with the commissioner’s office. Mr Hawkes said his office had previously received similar allegations recently to those reported by the Sunday Tribune.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has already appointed one of his deputies, Eddie Rock, to investigate the allegations against gardaí.

Strict laws govern the kind of information the State can store about people and who has access to data like criminal records, social welfare payments and other personal details.

“I am aware that some insurance companies use private investigators to investigate claims which they suspect are fraudulent or exaggerated,” Mr Hawkes said.