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

As we are in public session, I appeal to all members and guests to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they cause interference with the recording equipment. Apologies have been received from Deputy Jack Chambers.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Committee Stage of the Data Protection Bill 2018. I welcome the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and his officials. I extend a welcome to our guests in the Gallery.

Before we begin, I advise members that in respect of the Chair's opinion of the result of the question being put, I intend from today onward to declare the result based on my opinion of the likely outcome of any division subsequently demanded rather than adherence to the position that has applied heretofore of the Chair having to declare in favour of one set of opinion. Do the members understand what I have just indicated? Do they accept the logic of it?