Donegal County Council has made a landmark decision to instruct Council staff not to access utility information from those boycotting the Household Charge.

Cllr Jack Murray said: "I am delighted that members of Labour, Fianna Fáil and some independent councillors were able to put politics aside to back Sinn Féin’s motion."

Cllr Murray has welcomed the landmark decision by Donegal County Council which instructed council staff not to access private data such as ESB bills and social welfare information from those who have not paid the household charge. The power to access such information was granted to local authorities under Section 14 of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act.

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Speaking after the Council meeting Cllr Murray said: "This was a great day for Donegal. The members of Donegal County Council have overwhelming called on council staff not to invade the privacy of local homeowners who have not paid the unjust household charge.

"As a council we have made a stand with the people of Donegal – the vast majority of whom have rejected the household charge.

"I have requested that the successful motion is now sent to every local authority in the state to have it debated further. If Fianna Fail and Labour Councillors in Donegal can support this motion, there is no reason why they cannot do so everywhere else."

(CD/GK)