Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thought it would be useful to get that clarification.

I saw a tweet during the week from a parody account which stated "I would rather die than be GDPR compliant". We must reflect on the fact that there are many people in many organisations and businesses who are sick of GDPR and data protection. That is true of none more than the Minister’s own officials. I am sure they are pleased to be nearly shut of this business before it goes to the Seanad. It is detailed, technical and time-consuming legislation. In fairness, there was a desire to engage, although there were differences of opinion between the Government and the Opposition. However, there was a desire and openness to engage.

There are still shortfalls in the Bill. I have significant concerns about section 47, as identified by Deputies Wallace and Clare Daly, as well as several others. The Bill, however, has been improved significantly since Second Stage in the Seanad. The introduction of the necessary and proportionate measure is an important safeguard and standard test set by the courts. I welcome the significant step taken in requiring prescriptive approval by the Oireachtas of regulations relating to special categories of data. I also welcome the amendment made tonight, creating an offence for the micro-targeting of data of children for commercial purposes. These are significant steps. There are still shortcomings in the legislation. They may become more apparent over the years to come. The process, lengthy and tortuous as it was, has produced progress and improved the Bill.

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