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

The purpose of this part of our meeting is to continue our scrutiny of the general scheme of the Data Protection Bill 2017. I welcome the Data Protection Commissioner, Ms Helen Dixon, who is joined by Mr. John O'Dwyer and Ms Anna Morgan. In the Gallery, I already acknowledged Ms Emily Burke. On behalf of the committee, I thank them all for their attendance here this morning. The format of the meeting with which they will be familiar is that the Data Protection Commissioner will be invited to make a brief opening statement and this will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Before we begin, I must draw the attention of the witnesses to the situation in relation to privilege. Please note that witnesses 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. Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, members 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 Ms Dixon to make her opening statement.