Apology issued by Department Of Children after negligent data breach of those who attended mother and baby redress meetings

An apology has been issued by the Department Of Children after email addresses of 18 people were unintentionally shared with other participants attending the Online Consultation regarding redress for Mother and Baby Homes.

Reports detail that the incident occured due to an unplanned error concerning diary invites which were sent through the video meeting platform Zoom, for two Online Consultation Meetings on Monday the 22nd of March.

18 individuals were affected by the breach concerning the online invites sent out on the 19th of March to those due to attend the Consultations.

OAK, who were hired to oversee the public consultation process, notified the department on Monday of the breach and the department’s Data Protection Officer was informed.

Oak has discontinued the use of this invite function with all invitations for future consultations to be distributed on an individual basis.

if you would like to receive more information contact us at Martin A.Harvey & Co.Solicitors on 021-4963400 freephone or email us at maharvey@martinharvey.ie

The devastation of Mother and Baby Homes came to light in January 2021 with final reports detailing shocking conditions, abuse and infant mortality.

The report contains a number of recommendations including a financial plan to compensate survivors.

For many, the next step will be to seek legal advice for details of compensation entitlements.

The expected plan will be similar to the Residential Institutions Compensation plan and the Magdalene Laundries plan.

A consultation period for development of the proposed plan is now open for submissions.

The findings will be recorded and sent in a report to the Interdepartmental Group, who will develop proposals for the compensation plan for Government consideration.

We are monitoring the development of the compensation plan and expected dates of implementation.

We at Martin A. Harvey & Co.Solicitors have specialised expertise with these situations and have dedicated legal staff on hand to advise survivors who may be entitled to apply for compensation under the new plan.

If you would like to receive information and updates please contact us at Martin A.Harvey & Co.Solicitors on 021-4963400 freephone, email us at maharvey@martinharvey.ie or contact us on our online contact form