Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Oireachtas will also have to approve the code of practice. Through history that has been a 50-minute debate in the Dáil, and that is it - end of story. The committee should recommend that the code comes before it for full and rigorous interpretation as well before it is adopted.

In his submission Mr. Garrett stated: "The General Scheme says that biometric data, as it is phrased, will not extend to such physical features as a person’s height or build – presumably because reliance on such information would not lead to a definite identification of a suspect." I direct this question to the Garda Commissioner. When he gave evidence previously, he stated he would look at the Footlocker incident where somebody of recognisable height or build or wearing recognisable clothes could be in there but could not be identified. They could be traced through all the procedures and cameras and so on. However, that is the very thing it has been stated this will not be used for. One cannot identify somebody through their coat, jacket or trousers and then follow on through. I know it is unlikely, but it is possible that somebody else wearing the same coat, who might be completely innocent, could be picked up by the camera somewhere else further along the line and be identified at a later stage by the Garda as the person involved.