Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am only sharing with Deputy McGrath.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this important legislation. As technology advances, the laws protecting our private information and data must keep up with that change. We have seen an unprecedented rise in the popularity of the Internet, social media and data issues in the past 30 years since the first data protection laws were introduced in Ireland.

As proposed, the Bill appears to be extremely technical and specific, but I wish to make a few points about it. I welcome the Minister's clarification that the restrictions proposed by the GDPR about restricting the work of public representatives on behalf of their constituents will not be introduced in Ireland. I will support that amendment, as it allows us to continue our work in using data on behalf of our constituents upon their request. This is part of our job and we should not be restricted in that regard.

It is necessary that we protect information and that citizens who share data online are assured that their information will be kept safe and private. Recent news surrounding Cambridge Analytica, Facebook, Google and others keeping information and selling it on is worrying and must be addressed. I hope that the new public services card will be subject to some of the proposed regulations. Many people are not keen on sharing all of their private information with the Government for this unnecessary card.

I hold concerns surrounding the regulations that will now face small businesses that are already struggling to keep their heads above water. This extra task will cause a great deal of stress and cost, especially where there is no legal mind within the business. The same concern exists for community groups and charities in terms of restrictions on using existing mailing lists and contacting current volunteers and supporters.

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