Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not see how I could be making the case for the Deputy that there is no faith in this project, given that I pointed to the fact that 2.3 million individuals have this card and the roll-out of the card has to be compliant with current law on data protection. I said that very clearly.

The data sharing and governance Bill is legislation that has been before the Oireachtas for some time. It recognises there is potential for greater data sharing in the future and, recognising that potential and European Union law in that area, is looking to address issues regarding potential uses that could happen in the future. This is why the Bill is before the Oireachtas now and I hope the Houses will consider it positively.

With regard to the issues raised by the Data Protection Commissioner that are being considered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and my Department, we will respond and make our response to all the issues raised fully and publicly available.

The Deputy asked about penalties. I do not have available to me what exactly are the penalties. I will write to the Deputy with that information. It would be a gravely serious matter, and has been a serious matter, if any public servant uses the information on a public services card for any purpose other than that for which it is intended. I will make available to the Deputy the information on sanctions but I assure her that they are very serious and proportionate.

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