Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1766. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding his Department’s work to develop a single unique identifier and standardising data categorisation across the justice sector which intends on facilitating better collation and sharing of data to support policy research and inform Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence service development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2181/26]
View answerThe Public Service Data Strategy 2019-2023 (the Data Strategy) promotes the use of “trusted identifiers” by Public Service Bodies (PSB’s) under the National Data Infrastructure (NDI). The Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), the individual Health Identifier, the Eircode and the Unique Business Identifier are examples of Trusted Identifiers that have already been implemented successfully in Ireland.
In line with the Programme for Government 2025, which commits to the introduction of a common identification number in the criminal justice system, my Department is now preparing to introduce a unique identifier, and following consultation, it is proposed that the PPSN be used for this purpose.
The development of a single unique identifier will support a more joined-up, efficient and transparent system. It will be particularly beneficial in the areas of data accuracy, enhanced data management and integrity, more seamless information sharing and more comprehensive data collection. This will ultimately support research and help to inform both policy and service development.
My Department undertook a targeted stakeholder consultation during 2025 with several individuals and organisations with an interest in data, civil liberties and criminal justice. Following this consultation, a policy approach was finalised, which is being progressed by a group comprising individuals from each of the criminal justice agencies, to ensure a joined-up approach to establishing a common individual identifier on the core systems in each agency. Consideration is also being given to the best legislative vehicle to support the use of the PPSN for this purpose, and this work programme will be progressed during 2026.
