Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his positive response. I ask that every Deputy, Senator and MEP do the same. I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach or another member of the Government spoke to those social media companies. It would be helpful in Ireland and further afield.

I have a query about next Friday and the task force, which has a set amount of work to do. What database will we use to gather the information? Since I have a background in this area, I think about this matter a great deal. This country's unique identification code is the personal public service, PPS, number. How will we gather all of the information relating to people's health, where will it be stored and do we need emergency legislation on this matter before Christmas? The House addressed many issues with the public services card, as the Ceann Comhairle remembers. I agreed with some of those issues but not others. The information on individuals to be stored in this situation will be deep and personal and will relate to their health. Do we need legislation? I presume the Government has been in touch with the Data Protection Commission in advance of this issue. What has it advised?

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