BROLLY: PSNI DATA BREACH 'EXTREMELY CONCERNING'

Following news of the major data breach in which the details of over 10,000 PSNI staff was accidentally leaked in response to a Freedom of Information request, Aontú deputy leader Gemma Brolly stated “To hear of a security breach of this level in an organisation which is responsible for security and protection of so many is extremely concerning to say the least. Many of these employees have went about their jobs with a level of privacy and confidentiality which is highly important to them, many of them would go so far as to state it is in fact necessary, and yet they have been placed in a situation where their initials, surnames, rank and location of work have been made public. The consequences of this data breach are extensive, at both a personal and general level.”

Ms Brolly continued “In the recognising the seriousness of this breach within PSNI data systems, it would be completely ignorant to not acknowledge the context of this situation. The PSNI are one of the main bodies to appeal for, and handle highly sensitive information. If the appropriate mechanisms are not in place within their own data-handling, how can data relating to the public be truly safe and secure?”

In conclusion Ms Brolly added “This shocking data breach, this breach of trust must be managed urgently and thoroughly, involving a cross-professional body to implement a rigorously secure data management system ensuring a disaster such as this never happens again.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.