Commissioner investigating alleged data breach by credit union investigators

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner is investigating claims that the Department of Social Protection gave personal information to private investigators who claimed to be State officials.

Today's Irish Independent reports that the investigators were acting on behalf of a number of credit unions.

The Irish League of Credit Unions says it was not aware that the companies it used were using the alleged tactics.

The information included addresses, PPS numbers, employment details, whether people are co-habiting with other people and whether they are getting dole payments.