Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As with several other sections, the phrase "public interest" can be used to justify many things. While it is important to protect the public interest, it can often be used by organisations, agencies and government to make decisions that suit their objectives at a particular time. Articles 9 and 145 of the GDPR specifically cover these matters. In the absence of a proper definition of public interest and in view of the wide powers and discretion provided for the Minister under this section, I will oppose the section and support the amendments proposed by Deputies Clare Daly and Mick Wallace.