Quality and Qualifications Ireland (Register of Users)

Last Updated August 2019

Does your organisation use the PPSN at present?

Yes, Quality and Qualifications Ireland uses the PPSN.

If so, for what purpose?

QQI has a range of statutory functions detailed in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. One of those functions is to make awards to learners who complete a programme validated by QQI. To make these awards, QQI requires a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), also name, date of birth and relevant results of each learner

It is also used for processing of pay and allowances of staff, examiners, evaluators and panel members and Professional Services Withholding Tax in respect of individuals undertaking assignments on behalf of QQI. Also, it is used for reference on PRSI contributions and claims to the Department of Social Protection.

When surveyed by Central Statistics Office staff PPS Numbers are used for National Employment Surveys.

Does your organisation exchange the PPS number with any other body? If so please name the relevant bodies and the purpose(s) of the exchange?

• QQI uses the PPSN in its data exchanges (personal identification data) with providers of its validated programmes that lead to QQI awards.
• QQI forwards results data in respect of learners, which includes PPS Numbers, to the CAO (Central Applications Office) to facilitate learners' access, transfer and progression to higher education institutions.
• At the request of a current or past learner, QQI forwards results data and award verification, which may include the learner's PPS Number, to a prospective employer, a credential evaluation service, a licensing authority etc.
• QQI provides data (including PPSNs) to the Central Statistics Office in accordance with Section 30 of the Statistics Act, 1993,
• QQI exchanges the PPSN with its payroll provider, Intelligo, for the purpose of running its payroll system.
• QQI exchanges the PPS Numbers with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social Protection for the purpose of tax returns and social welfare claims.

Does your organisation have any other plans involving the use of the PPS number?

QQI has no immediate plans for additional use of PPS Numbers.

**There is a duty to ensure compliance with the principles of processing personal data which are set out in Article 5(1) and 5(2) of the GDPR. These principles are summarised as follows:-*

• Process it lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner;
• Collect it only for one or more specified, explicit and legitimate purposes, and do not otherwise use it in a way that is incompatible with those purposes;
• Ensure it is adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purpose it is processed;
• Keep it accurate and up-to-date and erase or rectify any inaccurate data without delay;
• Where it is kept in a way that allows you to identify who the data is about, retain it for no longer than is necessary;
• Keep it secure by using appropriate technical and/or organisational security measures;
• Be able to demonstrate your compliance with the above principles; and
• Respond to requests by individuals seeking to exercise their data protection rights (for example the right of access

Have you measures in place to ensure that the Public Service Identity data you hold/collect whether in electronic or written format is in line with the GDPR Principles described above?

QQI has measures in place to ensure the PPS Number and all other personal data is securely kept and that it is only used in connection with the purpose for which it was collected.