Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have received no apologies. I thank the members and attendees for being here and on time. The item for discussion is the general scheme of the Data Protection Bill 2017. Our first engagement is with Department officials. I welcome Mr. Seamus Carroll, Ms Noreen Walsh and Mr. Conor O'Riordan from the Department of Justice and Equality. I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of the Data Protection Commissioner, Ms Helen Dixon, and welcome her. I understand she is joined by Mr. John O'Dwyer, Ms Anna Morgan and Ms Emily Burke. I hope I have identified everyone properly. On behalf of the committee, I thank all of the witnesses for their attendance today to discuss this important Bill. The format of the meeting is that the witnesses will be invited to make an opening statement and this will be followed by a question and answer session.

Before we begin, I draw to the attention of witnesses the situation in regard to privilege. Please note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I once again remind members that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Seamus Carroll to make his opening statement.