Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Garda Commissioner is constantly engaging with his colleagues and police services across Europe, but also internationally. As is the case with departments, governments and agencies, they work with each other to share information and ways in which they can progress their services. From a policy point of view and that of my Department, when introducing legislation we look at best practice and other common law jurisdictions, particularly the UK and others. We try to avoid any pitfalls or issues that may have been encountered elsewhere. All of that work is being done in conjunction with focusing on laws here, working with organisations that potentially have concerns and trying to address those at the earliest stage possible. That is why there has been significant amount of engagement with the ICCL, the Data Protection Commissioner and many others. I share the Deputy's sense of urgency and desire to have this introduced as quickly as possible. I ask for the support of all Members of this House and the Seanad to ensure that when the Bill is brought forward, it can be passed as quickly as possible.

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