Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am not criticising the Deputy. I am simply saying his amendment would not achieve much of what is being argued for if we passed it in its current form, notwithstanding its intent. Also, last year when the legislation was being passed, there was extensive contact and discussion with the Data Protection Commissioner because of the real concerns in respect of personal data and information. All Members will understand and appreciate this. Those concerns cannot always be the decisive issue, because public policy questions interact with the issue of protection of private data. I would not be in a position to proceed with this amendment in circumstances in which we had not at least gone through the process of engagement with the Data Protection Commissioner in respect of the implications under the Data Protection Acts, and for the other reasons I have given.

I understand and appreciate what the Deputies are saying, but I believe we are covered substantially by what we did in the legislation last year. However, this is not and cannot be a closed issue forever. The issue may well be raised again in future legislation. If we believe we need to improve the data protection systems we have in place, we can do so then.

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