Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Sunderland. This is a really enjoyable and informative session of the committee. I also welcome the news that the data protection impact assessment has been drafted. It is a pity members of the DPC have not had time to appraise it and I look forward to seeing that appraisal. As the witnesses said, it is about getting the balance right between the conflicting rights of the right to identity on the one hand and the right to data protection and privacy on the other. It is a very fine balancing act.

As Mr. Sunderland mentioned, a very comprehensive data protection assessment will be key to formulating the appropriate guidelines. The witnesses only received the assessments today so I am putting them on the spot a little, but when will they be appraised by the Data Protection Commission? Will its observations be published?

What happens after that? I want to echo the comments of Deputy Sherlock. It might be worthwhile bringing in the DPC after it has had a chance to appraise the impact assessment.