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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Alan Farrell. I ask everyone to please switch off all mobile phones as they interfere with the sound recording system.

The purpose of today's meeting is to conclude our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Data Protection Bill 2017. We have two tranches to our sitting today. The first of those will address points to be raised. I extend a warm welcome to Dr. T.J. McIntyre, a law lecturer in UCD and chair of Digital Rights Ireland, and Mr. Simon McGarr, solicitor. On behalf of the committee, I thank them for their attendance here today and apologise for the slightly late start of our business. The format of the meeting is that they will be invited to make an opening statement, which will be followed by a questions and answers session.

I remind those present of the situation with regard to privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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, or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members, while they probably know it off by heart at this point, should be aware 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. McIntyre and Mr. McGarr to make their opening statements.