Courts / Dublin / Report

Man wants Data Commission to complete church records investigation

Date
2022-10-17
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Martin Meany has launched High Court judicial review proceedings against the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and the Roman Catholic Church, alleging a failure to complete an investigation into his complaint regarding the Church's refusal to destroy his personal records. Mr Meany, who is no longer a Catholic, claims the Church's retention of his baptismal records and incorrect status as a practising Catholic breaches the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He contends that the DPC paused its investigation in 2019 to conduct a statutory inquiry into the Church's obligations, resulting in a four-year delay that he argues violates his constitutional right to privacy and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Represented by William McLoughlon BL, Mr Meany seeks an order compelling the DPC to complete the investigation within a specified timeframe and a declaration that the delay was unlawful. The matter was heard on an ex parte basis before Mr Justice Charles Meenan. The judge adjourned the action to a date in December. Consequently, the case remains pending and has not been concluded or finalised.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man wants Data Commission to complete church records investigation. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Martin Meany

Applicant

Outcome: The judge adjourned the action to a date in December.

Roman Catholic Church

Applicant

Outcome: The judge adjourned the action to a date in December.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Residence
  • Patrick Street
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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