John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our business today is to consider the motion relating to the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Office of the Ombudsman) Regulations 2022. No. 6, the minutes of the joint committee meeting on 30 March 2022 were agreed at the private session.

Before we begin, members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, Dublin, to participate in the meeting. I cannot permit a member to participate where he or she is not so located. Members are reminded to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome the Minister of State and his officials and he will make his opening statement now.