Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the difficulties is that these amendments were not considered or raised in earlier discussions. In light of the nature of the debate and the number of amendments, I would not be prepared to accept them at this stage having regard to the fact that we did not have an opportunity to examine them in the detail such amendments deserve.

The proposal in amendment No. 65 would require intense scrutiny, not least because of the possibility of far-reaching consequences. Biometric data is a special category of personal data referred to in Article 9(1) of the GDPR and the generally applicable data retention rules will apply to any processing of such data.

While there may well be merit in amendment No. 141, the proposal to permit the making of regulations would require the development of policies and principles but they have not been included in the amendment. I am not prepared to take on something the consequences of which I have not been in a position to examine. I say that not as any form of excuse but as a justified reason on this Stage and I ask the House to accept that.

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