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

Amendment No. 5 seeks to change the definition of data sharing in section 9. The definition of data sharing was the subject of considerable debate in the Seanad, and the proposed definition here is ambiguous. A simple, unambiguous definition of data sharing is required, and that is what we have provided for in the text of the Bill in consultation with the Attorney General.

Section 13 sets out the purposes for which data sharing can be carried out. This section was amended following debate in the Seanad to provide specific purposes. The wording proposed in this amendment directly conflicts with that section. Accordingly, I do not propose to accept the amendment.

Amendment No. 6 seeks to create a definition of data governance. While I do not have a problem with this is principle, the specific term is not used anywhere in the Bill and therefore does not need to be defined. As the Deputies know, we are establishing a data governance board under the legislation. Its functions are set out in section 46(1). One functions of the board, specified in section 46(1)(a), is to "advise the Minister in relation to the prescribing of rules, procedures and standards under section 64". This is a definition of governance. These rules, procedures and standards will in effect be the agreed-upon models which describe who can take what actions with what information and when, what methods can be used and under what circumstances. These are the questions the Deputies refer to in the proposed amendment. Unfortunately, because the term "data governance" is not specifically used in the Bill, I cannot accept the amendment.