Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. There were many recommendations made, of which the Department is cognisant, as is the Data Protection Commissioner, and they were taken into account in many of the discussions which took place following the committee's report. Yesterday, on behalf of the Department, I started consultations with the Opposition spokespersons, Deputy Dara Calleary, Deputy Pearse Doherty this morning and Deputy Joan Burton, to ensure the matters raised by the Opposition would be considered. That process will take time, but work to have revised heads of the Bill placed before the Government is at an advanced stage. As soon as they have been approved by the Government, the Bill will be able to proceed through the House. What we all want, including the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, is to ensure the maximum support from all parties. It is common-sense legislation which will allow the Government to offer a more streamlined set of services in a manner that will not in any way undermine people's rights or the complexity and overarching rules of data governance, of which we are very cognisant. The recommendations made have been taken into account and further engagement will take place.

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