Privacy Policy

Privacy Statement

Introduction 

PSRA is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We wish to be transparent on how we process your data and show you that we are accountable with the GDPR in relation to not only processing your data but ensuring you understand your rights as a client.  

It is the intention of this privacy statement to explain to you the information practices of PSRA in relation to the information we collect about you. 

For the purposes of the GDPR the data controller is:

Evan Hughes
Email: info@expertadvice.ie
Phone: 019055504 
When we refer to ‘we’ it is PSRA 

Please read this Statement carefully as this sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us.

Who are we? 

Evan Hughes trading as PSRA is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as an Authorised Advisor under the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995: and as an insurance intermediary registered under the European Communities (Insurance Mediation) Regulations 2005.


Our Services

Our principal business is to provide advice and arrange transactions on behalf of clients in relation to life pensions & Investment products. A full list of insurers and product producers with which we deal is available on request.
Life & Pensions
As an Authorised Advisor, we can provide broad-based advice across the market, and place business on your behalf with the life assurance companies with which we hold an agency. PSRA can provide advice on and arrange products from the following range: life cover, serious illness cover, income protection, savings, investments and pensions. We will provide assistance to you for any queries you may have in relation to the policies, or in the event of a claim during the life of the policies and we will explain to you the various restrictions. conditions and exclusions attached to your policy. It is however, your responsibility to read the policy documents, literature and brochures to ensure that you understand the nature of the policy cover, particularly in relation to PHI and serious illness policies  

Our GDPR Owner and data protection representative can be contacted directly here:

Evan Hughes
Email: info@expertadvice.ie
Phone: 019055504 

Purpose for processing your data 

You may give us Personal Data and Special Categories of Personal Data:

By corresponding with us in writing, by phone, email or otherwise. We ask you to disclose only as much Personal Data and/or Special Categories of Personal Data as is necessary to provide you with our Products and services or to submit a question/suggestion/comment in relation to our Websites, our Products or our customer service;
By applying for, or taking out, one or more Products through us as a policyholder or a life insured;
By corresponding with us in relation to one or more of your Policies (e.g. with respect to a claim);
By posting on our social media platforms, message boards, blogs and any other services to which you can post information. Please note that if you share Personal Data or Special Categories of Personal Data through these services, this information may become public information;
When you supply us with goods or services;
By applying to work with us. The type of information you may provide includes your CV, a cover letter, your name, address, email address and telephone number. CVs should include information relevant to your employment history and education (e.g. degrees obtained, places worked, positions held, relevant awards). We ask that you do not disclose Special Categories of Personal Data (e.g. nationality, gender, height, weight, medical information, religion, philosophical or political beliefs) or financial data in your application;


For all Products we collect the following classes of Personal Data:

Contact details (including name, address, email address and telephone number);
Identification details (including gender, marital status, date of birth);
Occupation details;
PPS number;
Nationality and country of residence;
Photographic identification (necessary for performance of anti-money laundering checks);
Bank details, debit/credit card details (where needed);
Income details (where needed);
PEP (politically exposed person) status (for compliance with anti-money laundering legislation);
In certain cases, we may receive sensitive information from which it is possible to infer your trade union membership, religious or political beliefs (e.g. if you are a member of a group scheme through a professional, trade, religious, community or political organisation).

If you have a Pension Product, we also collect the following classes of Personal Data:

Income details;
Employer name and address (executive and group schemes only).

If you have a Pension Product, we will also collect the following Special Category of Personal Data:

Disability information (if you apply for early retirement on the grounds of ill health)

If you have an Investment Product, we also collect the following classes of Personal Data (necessary for compliance with Revenue laws):

US citizen status;
Tax Identification Numbers from other countries (if applicable).

If you have a Protection Product, we also collect the following class of Personal Data:

Income details.

If you have a Product that includes a form of insurance e.g. Protection and some Pension and Investment Products, which also offer life and serious illness benefits, we also collect the following Special Categories of Personal Data:

Medical history (personal and relevant family members), personal habits (e.g. smoking and alcohol consumption), prescription information. 

Why we are processing your data? Our legal basis.

In order for us to provide you with Pensions Advice Financial Advice, Financial Planning or a Financial Product PSRA need to collect personal data for the provision of Pensions Advice Financial Advice, Financial Planning or a Financial Product. Our reason (lawful reason) for processing your data under the GDPR is:

Legal basis

PSRA  needs to process your data as this is necessary:

in relation to a contract of insurance or other product contract to which the individual has entered into or because the individual has asked for something to be done so they can enter into a contract;
to provide Financial Advice and or a Financial Plan to which consent has been received;
to provide Pensions Advice to which consent has been received;
to provide ancillary services such as acting as tax agent to which consent has been received.
For internal marketing purposes where valid consent is in place to offer suitable products or services and improve our processes.
For statistical analysis data is anonymised and analysed to enable PSRA to understand our customers needs and develop products and services suitable to those needs.  

In any event, PSRA are committed to ensuring that the information we collect, and use is appropriate for this purpose, and does not constitute an invasion of your privacy.

How will PSRA use the personal data it collects about me? 

PSRA will process (collect, store and use) the information you provide in a manner compatible with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We will endeavour to keep your information accurate and up to date, and not keep it for longer than is necessary.

Special Categories of personal data

If we collect any special categories of personal data (e.g. health, religious beliefs, racial, ethnic origin – financial information is not classified as special categories of personal data) – we will ensure the below. We will obtain your explicit consent  

Who are we sharing your data with? 

We may pass your personal data on to third-party service providers contracted to PSRA in the course of dealing with you. Any third parties that we may share your data with are obliged to keep your details securely, and to use them only to fulfil the service they provide on your behalf. When they no longer need your data to fulfil this service, they will dispose of the details in line with PSRA procedures. 

If we wish to pass your sensitive personal data onto a third party we will only do so once we have obtained your explicit consent, unless we are legally required to do otherwise.

The third parties that we pass your personal data to are:

Product Providers (a list of these providers can be obtained by contacting PSRA at 019055504 or info@expertadvice.ie) Your data will only be shared with product providers that you have consented to sharing your data with to enable them to provide you with a product and to maintain that product.
Technical Suppliers to PSRA in so far as is necessary to allow PSRA to store, organise and transmit your data to enable the provision and maintenance of the product or service you have requested. Your data is transferred securely and is not used by other parties for any other reason.
Revenue, if you have elected to chose PSRA to act as your tax agent in respect of products to which tax relief may be available.
Another professional service provider where there is a legal requirement to engage such a service to enable a particular product to be taken by you. In any such case we will notify you of the details of this service, when it is required.
Your Representatives where we have received authorisation from you.
Regulators and official agencies where required to do so by law, regulation or legal process.
Employers, where a group policy is in place to facilitate premium payments or making a claim.

PSRA will provide information on the safeguards in place and how you can also obtain a copy of these safeguards. We have issued all our third-party processors with a Data Processor checklist asking them GDPR specific questions

If we transfer personal data to a third party or outside the EU, we as the data controller will ensure the recipient (processor or another controller) has provided the appropriate safeguards and on condition that enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies for you the data subject are available.

We use cookies on our website to enable us to track visitors to the website and improve the visitor experience. We do not obtain personal information in this way and cannot identify any person from these activities. We do collect personal information from visitors to our website who complete the contact form on the website. This information is used to help PSRA to answer visitor queries.

Data Subjects Rights:

PSRA facilitate you, our clients, rights in line with our data protection policy and the subject access request procedure. This is available on request.

Your rights as a data subject 

At any point while we are in possession of or processing your personal data, you, the data subject, have the following rights:

Right of access – you have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you.
Right of rectification – you have a right to correct data that we hold about you that is inaccurate or incomplete.
Right to be forgotten – in certain circumstances you can ask for the data we hold about you to be erased from our records.
Right to restriction of processing – where certain conditions apply to have a right to restrict the processing.
Right of portability – you have the right to have the data we hold about you transferred to another organisation.
Right to object – you have the right to object to certain types of processing such as direct marketing.
Right to object to automated processing, including profiling – you also have the right to be subject to the legal effects of automated processing or profiling.
Right to judicial review: in the event that PSRA refuses your request under rights of access, we will provide you with a reason as to why.

All of the above requests will be forwarded on should there be a third party involved as we have indicated in the processing of your personal data. 

Additional information we are providing you with to ensure we are transparent and fair with our processing 

Retention of your personal data

Data will not be held for longer than is necessary for the purpose(s) for which they were obtained. PSRA will process personal data in accordance with our retention schedule. This retention schedule has been governed by our regulatory body (The Central Bank of Ireland) and our internal governance. 

Complaints

In the event that you wish to make a complaint about how your personal data is being processed by PSRA or how your complaint has been handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint directly with the supervisory authority and PSRA’s data protection representative GDPR Owner

Failure to provide further information 

If we are collecting your data for a contract and you cannot provide this data, the consequences of this could mean the contract cannot be completed or details are incorrect.

Profiling – automatic decision making 

Risk Profiling 

To establish a customer’s attitude to investment risk (relates to pensions and investments) advisors have automated calculators which calculate the customers attitude to various levels of risk having answered a series of questions. You can object to this profiling; however, this would mean in relation to savings, investment and pension products, that PSRA could not recommend the most suitable funds or products for you.

Profiling for marketing purposes.

When we seek to contact you about other services, as outlined above  we run automated queries on our computerised data base to establish the suitability of proposed products or services to your needs. You can opt out of this at any time.

Establishing affordability and providing quotations for financial services products.

You can object to this profiling; however, this may result in us being unable to complete a contract or being unable to recommend the most suitable product for your situation. You can also request a human intervention to contest and make representations in relation to any such decision. 

Additional Processing

If we intend to further process your personal data for a purpose other than for which the data was collected, we will provide this information prior to processing this data.

Contact Us

Your privacy is important to us. If you have any comments or questions regarding this statement, please contact us on 01 9055504 or email info@expertadvice.ie

Privacy policy statement changes

PSRA may change this privacy policy from time to time. When such a change is made, we will post a revised version online. Changes will be effective from the point at which they are posted. It is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically so you’re aware of any changes. By using our services, you agree to this privacy policy.

This privacy policy was last reviewed in May 2018 

Request a Callback

If you are unsure which may be the most appropriate service for you, call us today, we’d be happy to guide you.

What our clients say
Our Testimonials

“I have been delighted with the service provided by PRSA. Evan Hughes has been a dependable and clear guide through the maze of financial constraints and possibilities in advance of retirement. I've been able to turn to him with every sort of financial question and have been consistently well advised”

Prof Lawrence Taylor, Associate Vice-President for International Affairs, Maynooth University

I've had a very positive experience of PSRA , specifically their representative Joe Murray. Over the course of an advisory session he clarified various matters ranging from life assurance, salary protection and AVCs. Joe also discovered that I was due a tax refund and this, together with savings on two other insurance products, left be better off by €1400 - not bad for an afternoon's work! Joe is patient and extremely clear and he explained pensions to me in a way that was coherent and accurate. I would highly recommend this service.

Leo Hogan, School Principal

It is my pleasure to recommend Clodagh Byrne of PSRA. During the past year, I have been very impressed and pleased with the top-notch professional and personal service Clodagh has provided in the area of retirement planning and investments. She crunches the numbers efficiently and explains all options clearly so that I can make informed, confident choices and decisions. Truly, she has helped me to navigate smoothly and successfully across the complex terrain of pensions and retirement planning. I thank Clodagh Byrne for all her help and highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for sound retirement advice—without any sales pressure. I look forward to working with Clodagh throughout my career as a teacher.

Michael Schwartz, Teacher, Waterford

Original contact with Evan Hughes of PSRA, in Beaumont Hospital. Consistent personal professional attention from Mr Hughes. Sound financial advice and pension planning. I have recommended Mr Hughes to colleagues and friends and no hesitation in doing so again.

Prof Anthony Cunningham, Medical Director Galway Clinic

Ciarán Hughes was recommended by a friend working in the HSE. Starting out in my career I wanted to get salary protection sorted and to find out about my pension situation. Ciarán went through everything with me, and explained the different aspects clearly. It was a relief to get everything sorted and out of the way. I have recommended Ciarán to friends and colleagues.

Jenny Algar, Veterinarian Surgeon, Dept. of Agriculture & Private practice.

I was first introduced to PSRA at a retirement presentation delivered by Evan Hughes. The talk was extremely informative, to the point, and helpful in preparing for retirement. Evan aided me throughout the process of retirement and continues to advise on my finances. I highly recommended that anyone seeking retirement and investment advice turn to PSRA.

Rod Green, Teacher, Dublin

On my recent retirement, PSRA consultant, Ciarán Hughes provided me with clear, concise and sound information on all aspects of financial planning and investments. He explained all my options in detail and was happy to answer any questions I had. He met with me on a number of occasions to tease things out and was also available by phone or e mail to deal with any other concerns I had. I am confident that I received accurate, impartial advice and was facilitated in every way, to plan astutely for my future. I would highly recommend PSRA to anyone requiring financial advice.

Ann Gallagher, Retired Teacher, Sligo

I am delighted to strongly recommend Evan Hughes - PSRA who on the advice of a satisfied colleague, have been managing my financial affairs very effectively with excellent outcome despite the hazards of the economically turbulent previous decade or so. Meetings were easily promptly arranged at times and locations convenient to me during a very busy phase. They are always relaxed, pleasant, interesting and enjoyable. Advice is clear and logical without pressure, obviously based on wide experience. Potential outcomes good and bad are laid out clearly and the outcomes despite the turbulent markets were good and as predicted without unpleasant surprises (and no tendency to churn). I strongly recommend Evan and PSRA to be consulted for guidance before involving themselves in the treacherous financial markets and investments, confident that the advice they receive will definitely be beneficial and profitable.

Michael (& Mary) O’Reilly FRCPI, FACC, FRCP(C), Consultant Cardiologist

While my previous contact with financial consultants had always left me feeling confused, unsure and not fully informed, my experiences with PSRA consultant Clodagh Byrne were dramatically different. Clodagh is a clear thinker, an excellent communicator, very knowledgeable, well informed, patient and understanding. She has a professional manner and willingly invests time in our consultations. I have total confidence in the comprehensive, expert and sound advice I received. As a result I have already and will continue to recommend PSRA to my colleagues.

Vincent McDonnell, Retired Teacher, Wexford.

I got a lot of advice from friends when I was thinking of retirement. Unfortunately it was not accurate, everyone's situation is a little different. I was delighted with the expert help and advice I got from Evan Hughes. PSRA give very efficient and friendly service at a very reasonable cost. It worked well for me.

Christina Quirke, Nurse, Dublin

“I came to PSRA in 2010 the year I retired. It was recommended to me by a colleague at work. I have had very good advice from Evan Hughes initially on setting up the ARF. I have had annual reviews which have been satisfactory and efficient. I am very happy with the service I have had over the years and have no hesitation in recommending PSRA.”

Dr Joseph A. Tracey, formally of Beaumont Hospital.

“I was very happy with my one to one consultation which outlined all the available options to me. I felt my consultant’s knowledge was extensive and he portrayed the information in an easy to understand manner. I feel the independent advice aided my decision-making process and I am very happy with my policy.”

Nicola (surname withheld), Occupational Therapist

I'm delighted to have the opportunity to recommend Clodagh Byrne. From the moment I met her a few years ago I have felt very comfortable with her. She takes time to explain everything very clearly. She has advised me on AVC, life assurance and investment issues. I took early retirement last summer and she has been very helpful in organising my paperwork. She has given me clear advice on investment. She is a very good listener and I have never felt any pressure, just clear advice tailored to my needs. It has always been a pleasure to have meetings with her and I hope to continue to benefit from her advice in the future.

Brid Larkin, Retired Primary Teacher, Waterford

I retired at an earlier age than usual from the Public Health Service five years ago and for the past seven years, Evan Hughes of PSRA has been excellent and indispensable in advising, negotiating and implementing my pension and investments. I would recommend PSRA to my colleagues because Evan is a very nice and patient person who is meticulous and professional in his advice and has provided maximum benefits for my family and continues to review my pension and investments.

Retired Consultant Medical Practitioner (Name withheld)

I first met PRSA consultant Ciaran Hughes when he made a presentation to teachers in The Carrick on Shannon Education Centre where the information he disseminated was clear and easy to understand which was important to me as I was approaching retirement. My husband and I both retired recently and the information he provided was at all times concise, objective and appropriate to our needs. He explained all options in detail and answered all of our many questions. He was patient, courteous and good humoured as he went through the different options and through his sound and at all times impartial advice helped us explore different scenarios and find products that suited our needs. He met with us and was also available by phone and email and I really appreciated the support at this transitional time. I have strongly recommended Ciaran and PRSA to a number of friends and will continue to do so.

Mary (surname withheld), Retired Teacher, Longford.

I joined PSRA to have some reasonable pension at retirement to live a decent lifestyle. My friend introduced Evan Hughes to me. He provided honest and good service to me and is always there to help any concerns or query. Although I have invested in Sharia Compliant funds which have risks, this has been explained to me and well managed. I will certainly recommend friends to take help and services of Mr Evan Hughes.

Dr Tallat Ejaz, Mullingar Hospital

I have been dealing with PSRA consultant, Ciarán Hughes, for approximately six years and I have always been extremely satisfied with the advice rendered. While I was teaching he advised on all matters financial: Salary Protection, Health Insurance, Life Cover. He explained everything very concisely and his recommendations were impartial, based on his vast knowledge and experience. Upon my retirement Ciarán presented comprehensive and wide-ranging options for investment. Ciarán has responded promptly to all queries and has done so with extraordinary patience, clarity and good humour. It remains a pleasure to deal with him.

Bernadette James, Retired Teacher, Sligo

I was very pleased with my recent meeting with Clodagh Byrne. This was the second time in the past few years I have availed of her excellent financial expertise. As always, she was lovely and friendly, explained everything very clearly and was practical and realistic with her advice. I have met with other financial advisors before and always felt they were trying to 'sell' me what they wanted, but with Clodagh I feel she genuinely strives to provide the best advice and service suited to my situation. She has advised both myself and my husband on AVCs, life assurance, salary protection, health insurance and tax. She is always very helpful in organising necessary paperwork and quick to reply to concerns or questions following a visit. I have often felt out of my depth trying to understand pensions and taxes but Clodagh explains everything so well and in a manner where I am comfortable asking any question no matter how simple. I fully intend to have further meetings with her every few years to review my financial situation and will look forward to her pleasant and knowledgeable manner.

Helen Stafford, Teacher