By Gillian McVeigh

AN INVESTIGATION is underway after education authority records on pupils and parents dating back to 1969 were found at the side of a road in south Armagh.

They include comments about dirty children wearing threadbare clothing and derogatory descriptions of parents.

It has been confirmed that the discovery was made in Camlough on Friday. It is believed that they may have fallen off a trailer on the way to the dump.

The files also contain details of doctor examinations, data on admissions to a psychiatric institution and information on prosecutions regarding non-attendance at school.

The fact that this information dates so far back has baffled some, as these documents ought to have been destroyed years ago.

Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady raised his concern on the finding. He said: “Serious questions must be asked about how sensitive information is handled and stored by all our public authorities.

“The protection of children is one of the most important issues in our society. It is essential that all aspects of the incident are investigated fully and that a report is furnished promptly.

“All public bodies need to be aware of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998 with regard to the collection, storage, and disposal of personal information that is held about individual,” Mickey added.

He continued: “I am pleased to hear that the Chief Executive of the SELB has stated that she has requested the return of all copies of the documents, including those that were in the possession of journalists. Those who came in possession of the documents could have highlighted the failure in the handling and storage of confidential records and still have handed the information to the relevant authorities without delay.” said Mickey.