Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's question is pertinent because section 2 refers to the special categories of personal data and information referred to in Article 9 of the GDPR. The GDPR is inherently built into the Bill. In later sections there are clear references to it. However, in the Seanad we wanted to take on board the spirit of what had been proposed by Senator Higgins. We have discussed the matter with the Attorney General. Rather than have any potential contradiction in the wording regarding the special categories of data which will be included, we have decided to go with a new worded section to remove any doubt.