JUSTICE MINISTER MAY APPEAL DECISION
The Minister for Justice is considering an appeal after the Data Protection Commissioner ruled that he broke the law by revealing personal information about Wexford Independent TD, Mick Wallace.
The commissioner says Alan Shatter failed in his duties as a data controller, when he revealed on live TV last year that Mick Wallace had been cautioned by Gardaí for using a mobile phone while driving.
Specifically, he ruled that the Minister had not used the information – passed on by the then-Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan – for the purposes it was intended.
The finding doesn’t carry a punishment because it’s not a criminal offence – but it does suggest Mick Wallace can pursue damages against Minister Shatter.
The Minister has 21 days to appeal the ruling – and in a statement last night, he said he’s examining the decision closely and will take further legal advice.
But he says the ruling raises important issues which, in his eyes, should be further considered in the public interest.
