Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 23:

In page 35, line 9, to delete “A specified person” and substitute the following:"Having regard to the importance of the right of freedom and expression and information in a democratic society, a specified person may,".

I do not propose to delay the House on this matter as there are other matters of substantially more importance to be dealt with. On the amendments the Minister made on Committee Stage in inserting sections 38 and 39 into the Bill, I have raised concerns with him and his officials. Rather than repeat those concerns which generally stem from what I believe may be a narrow definition of "electoral activities", I would like the Minister to set out the position, as he understands it, including whether he accepts my contention that the definition is too narrow. This is about allowing politicians and public representatives to do their work which is in the public interest and essential to democracy.

On politicians and the need for data protection, there have not been major scandals or outrages about the abuse of data by politicians, other than a few incidents involving some very unwise people in sending text messages from phones which should not have been used. That is not what I am seeking to address in my amendments; rather, they seek to allow the work of democracy to proceed as best it can. I am happy to allow the Minister to explain why he thinks I am wrong and that the definition of "electoral activities" does include the normal work politicians do outside the electoral cycle.

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