In a new 54-page report, the DPC summarised the findings of data protection audits conducted in 26 registered political parties, including all of the parties in the Oireachtas and a number of minor parties.

The audits were carried out in the wake of media reports concerning Sinn Féin’s voter information database, Abú, which combines the electoral register with data obtained from party canvassing activities.

The DPC said it was satisfied with Sinn Féin’s explanation of the legal basis for the database, though recommended that the party should draw attention to its existence on canvassing and electioneering literature.

The watchdog also probed reports that some parties, including Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, had conducted market research or opinion polling through the deployment of their own members, supporters or activists.

The DPC was satisfied from the findings of the audits that no personal data was processed during those activities by the seven political parties concerned and, on that basis, no data protection concerns arose for further consideration by the DPC.