ECJ ruling ‘another indictment’ of Ireland’s approach to data protection, says Costello

This morning’s judgment from the European Court of Justice is proof that the Irish Government needs to take a tougher stance on data protection, says Green Party spokesperson on Justice Patrick Costello TD.

The Dublin South-Central TD said in a statement: “Today’s ruling is another indictment of the Irish state’s approach to data protection.

“The judgement should be a surprise to no one.

“Ireland has been repeatedly criticised for our national policies on privacy and data retention by numerous judgments, industry and campaigners,” he says.

“The Graham Dwyer appeal is just one example of Ireland’s shortcomings in this area.

“This is a horrific case, but allowing in evidence gathered in an illegal way is a risk to justice for everyone.

“If we are to  support law enforcement and equally protect basic rights to privacy we must take this judgment, the repeated criticisms of the Data Protection Commission and the Irish data protection regime on board and make significant reforms”.