Revenue staff have been reminded of the significant sanctions that will apply regarding improper access of taxpayer data when new EU general data protection regulations (GDPR) come into force later this month.

Fórsa members were given a presentation on GDPR and how it affects Revenue at a recent partnership meeting. It was initially thought that the new rules, which take effect on 25th May, might not strictly apply to Government departments. Now it’s been ruled that this is not the case.

The regulations are designed to give citizens more control over their personal data, and place limits on how organisations keep and use personal information. Substantial fines can be levied on organisations that fail to meet GDPR standards.

Meanwhile, the union has hosted industrial relations meetings in the regions, with another planned for the border-midlands-west (BMW) area. Fórsa highlighted the anxieties of members around Revenue realignment, PAYE modernisation, and possible changes in work practices.

Fórsa and other civil service unions are urging more detailed collaborative discussions on the changes and how they affect staff.

Issues relating to training, Brexit and customs, which were the subject of motions to the Revenue group annual conference, have since been discussed with the corporate services division.