HSE admits to breaking patients' confidentiality

The Health Service Executive has admitted today to breaching data protection rights by

printing people's PPS numbers on envelopes.

The incident happened in a recent mailshot encouraging people to apply for medical cards.

The Executive has been posting information leaflets to around 240,000 families who have used their Drugs Payment Schemes Card Systems card in the past six months.

The Executive has assured the public that identification numbers will not be printed on envelops in the future.

The issue was highlighted by Carlow-Kilkenny senator Fergal Browne who has criticised the HSE for causing the HSE for causing confusion by sending out leaflets to people who already have medical cards.