Courts / Louth / Report
Man seeks damages after Social Protection worker gave personal data to PI
Summary
The High Court heard a damages claim by Daniel Lannon against the Minister for Social Protection, alleging a breach of privacy and data protection rights in 2014. Lannon claims a department official provided his Drogheda address to a private investigator hired by solicitors acting for AIB, enabling the bank to serve legal proceedings at that location. He seeks damages, aggravated damages, and declarations that the department breached its duty of care. The department opposes the claim, arguing it is not liable for the negligent actions of its former staff member, Ms Caitriona Bracken, who was dismissed in 2017. The department also contends the proceedings constitute an abuse of process, noting Lannon previously discontinued a similar action. Ms Bracken, added as a third party, claimed releasing data was common practice, but the department stated it was no longer seeking relief against her, allowing her to be let out of the case. Lannon admitted he failed to inform AIB of his address change as required by his mortgage terms. The court noted that in October 2016, the private investigator Michael Ryan and his company Glen Collection Investments Limited pleaded guilty to certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court. The hearing continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man seeks damages after Social Protection worker gave personal data to PI. Charges or matters: certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 22 August 2014 Other
- October 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-11-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: In October 2016, those parties pleaded guilty to certain data breaches and were fined €7,500 by the district court.
Places mentioned
- High Court
- Colpe View
- Dublin
- Dublin Road
- Drogheda
- Ballinasloe
- Galway
- Burnell Square
- Malahide Road
Topics
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