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

The purpose of this engagement is to discuss with the Data Protection Commission, DPC, its role following the introduction last year of the general data protection regulation, GDPR, and data protection issues in general. We are joined by Ms Anna Morgan, deputy commissioner; Ms Jennifer O’Sullivan, deputy commissioner; and Mr. Cathal Ryan, assistant commissioner, all of whom are very welcome. We thank them for taking up the invitation to address this very important matter with us.

Before we continue, I must draw the attention of our guests to the situation in respect of privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Before I call on Ms Morgan to make her opening statement, I again ask everybody, including our visitors, to switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording equipment.