Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As we discussed on Committee Stage, we now have these very broad definitions of categories set out in legislation with which Tusla, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, AAI, and other bodies have to comply. That is now a legislative obligation that was never on them previously. We also have in this legislation the power to draw up ministerial guidelines on the implementation of those interpretations. If it is seen that a body is seeking to implement them in a restrictive way, a Minister can issue guidelines that make it very clear that is not the way to do it and indicate the direction in which to implement. Finally, we have our implementation group whereby officials in my Department are engaged directly with Tusla and the AAI in making that culture change that we all recognise is necessary in these institutions.

We are using the most up to date definition of personal data, linked to the GDPR and as it is defined by the European Court of Justice. We have the very extensive categories of information that relevant bodies must release. We have the ability to write and clarify guidelines as we go ahead and we have the ability to engage directly with the agencies through the implementation body. These four measures will enable us to ensure the spirit of openness, the spirit of release that we spoke about at the start of this section is maintained.

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