Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. His reply brings further clarity to the situation. In respect of section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Minister of State restated that the local authority must act as the data controller. That is clear and has been established. He also said that he has received feedback from the Data Protection Commissioner, who confirmed that there is no issue with local authorities doing this in respect of the new GDPR regulations. We are removing the roadblocks. I want to be fair to the CEOs of the local authorities. Perhaps it is an issue of resources, finance or IT staff, particularly for the smaller local authorities. Let us consider where the situation seems to be stuck at the moment. The Data Protection Commissioner is okay. The law is sound and we are clear on that in black and white. The Minister of State has provided further information regarding data protection. What happens next? How far is that advanced with the CEOs of local authorities around the country, including the three that are still refusing to do it? Perhaps they have good reason. Is it a question of resources or staff?

I have corresponded again with the CEO of Laois County Council and I have forwarded the most recent reply to the CEO that was given to me by the Minister in the Chamber. The existing schemes that are not part of the grant scheme in Shanahoe and Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois, have been of enormous benefit in recent years in helping the Garda and the local community to prevent and solve crime. I know that at first hand. There is a real benefit. The Minister of State might be able to tell me first where those discussions are at with the CEOs of the three county councils. I also request that he relays to the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, that there is one roadblock in the way. If it is resources and staff that the county councils need, it needs to be sorted.

See this speech in context