Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The availability of information as a general principle is obviously something of which one would be in favour. However, other considerations are sometimes in play, such as the confidentiality of personal information, and the information may not be regarded by the individuals concerned or affected as a matter that should come into the public domain in any event. There are, therefore, various considerations which must be applied in regard to data protection. For my part, any proposals that come from any part of the House on these issues will be considered constructively in line with the established principles of what is best practice in this area.

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