Ireland’s DPA Launches Toolkit to Safeguard Vulnerable Adults’ Data
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched an Adult Safeguarding Toolkit to help organisations and individuals protect the personal data of vulnerable adults. The toolkit explains how to collect, use, store and share data about at-risk adults while complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. It includes practical guidance, templates and examples designed for staff in health, social care and related services so they can apply data protection principles when working with vulnerable people.
Commissioners Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland stressed that safeguarding vulnerable groups is a core priority of the DPC’s Regulatory Strategy 2022–2027. They noted that vulnerable adults often face distinct challenges protecting their personal information, and the toolkit equips organisations with clear procedures and tools to respect individuals’ rights and to manage data responsibly. The document aims to support consistent, rights-focused decision making across sectors that handle sensitive personal data.
Deputy Commissioner David Murphy highlighted that the toolkit was developed with input from key stakeholders across the safeguarding and health sectors, including the HSE, Sage Advocacy and Safeguarding Ireland. That collaboration produced guidance tailored to the practical needs of frontline staff, helping them make confident, risk-informed choices about data sharing and protection while relying on their professional judgment and sector expertise.
The toolkit is available for download as a 5 MB PDF and was launched at an event attended by representatives from healthcare, social care, legal and advocacy organisations. The DPC thanked numerous contributors, including SAGE Advocacy, HIQA, the HSE National Safeguarding Office, the Mental Health Commission and other sector bodies, as well as individuals who shared personal experiences to inform the guidance.
