Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Kerrane for the amendment. I know we discussed it on Committee Stage as well. I do not propose to accept it. We have given the amendment thought, but we are well covered in the legislation as it is. The legislation was sent to the Data Protection Commissioner for consultation, which indicated it welcomed the inclusion of the listed bodies and the reasons for data sharing. My Department has undertaken to put data sharing agreements in place with each body, before any data sharing takes place. Any data sharing agreements which have yet to be finalised will be, in both the national interest and in collaboration with all the relevant stakeholders. We have taken the steps to ensure any data collected under this Bill comply with all GDPR rules and requirements. It is anticipated a number of Departments, agencies and other third parties may require access to data on fertiliser sales and stock levels. The robust data sharing provisions in the legislation will allow for the specific sharing of data with other bodies to achieve environmental and sustainability targets and will be fully in line with GDPR and other data protection legislation.

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