The Data Protection Commissioner has uncovered serious incidents of inappropriate access to personal data records in the insurance industry.
There was also a 350% increase in the number of data security breaches reported to the Commissioner last year. The details are contained in the Commissioner's annual report which was published today.
Insurance Link contains the details of around two and a half million claims. It is used by the insurance industry to cross-check information. But its use was found to have a serious lack of respect for data protection rights.
An investigation found little or no oversight of the system, too many people with access and serious incidents of inappropriate access.
Insurance staff were viewing the details of family, friends, celebrities and people who had featured in newspaper stories and data about vehicles and properties that were for sale.
This came in a year when there was a 350% rise in the number of data protection breaches. The Commissioner says this was due in part to a new code of practice which came into effect in July.
His report also highlights cases of banks marketing to their customers based on direct debit information. It also reports a number of complaints about CCTV, including one school in Kildare that was ordered to remove cameras it had installed in the toilet.
Investigations also found that charities were retaining PPSN numbers of donors.
The Commissioner also saw a rise in the number of complaints about schools, workplaces and commercial premises using biometric systems to record attendance.
