Can I carry out a security screening process on new hires? What are the legal considerations in carrying out various checks on prospective employees?

Jennifer O'Sullivan writes:

The key piece of legislation which impacts on the area of security screening is the Data Protection Acts 1988 – 2003 which impose duties on employers in relation to the information that they gather, retain and use in relation to employees and perspective employees. There are eight data protection principles forming the responsibilities of a data controller (i.e. the employer) and these rules impact in the manner in which an organisation is entitled to obtain and use information in relation to individuals. The area of employee security screening is subject to these rules.