Prior consultation request

Prior consultation refers to where a controller needs to consult the competent data protection authority before beginning to process personal data.

A prior consultation is required whenever an impact assessment shows that the envisaged processing would result in a high risk to data subjects and the controller has been unable to introduce measures to lower the risk. A prior consultation cannot take place until the controller has carried out a data protection impact assessment.

The competent data protection authority must be consulted, for example, if data subjects could face significant or irreversible consequences that they may not be able to overcome.

Moreover, controllers must always consult the competent data protection authority in situations where national laws obligate them to consult with, and/or obtain prior authorisation from, the competent data protection authority.

Our data protection policy: Electronic services at the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman

Use secure e-mail when necessary

Please do not use the form to send sensitive (e.g. information concerning your state of health, social welfare services or your financial position) or confidential information. You can send such information separately by secure e-mail.

Sending e-mail messages through the Ministry of Justice's secure e-mail system is a safe way of delivering sensitive or confidential information to the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman. Please refer to the form you sent earlier in the subject of your message, for example:

Request for prior consultation – your name – date of sending the form

Please also read the instructions for sending secure e-mail (pdf) before using the service.