Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am unsure of the extent to which I can short-circuit the debate. We have 150 amendments and we are going to have some intense debate in the coming days.

8 o’clock

In response to Deputy Clare Daly's invitation to provide her with an assurance, I cannot give her an assurance in the form of a guarantee. However, I can say that while there is not an absolute or clear definition in the general data protection regulation, GDPR, it is my strong expectation that an agreed European Union definition will emerge. It is important that this take place because a definition is needed to facilitate the type of co-operation we have seen, particularly international and cross-border co-operation in the field of scientific research. I expect such a definition to be agreed to.

Again, while I cannot give an assurance, Deputy Clare Daly and other Deputies can take it that we will encourage that this issue be addressed at EU level for reasons the Deputy put forward. While I cannot accept the amendment, I give her an assurance that we will raise the issue with a view to having it resolved in a way that will meet her concerns.

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