Dáil debates
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
Business of Dáil
3:55 pm
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Can I make a point of order before we start Taoiseach's Questions? It is one addressed to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle or the Ceann Comhairle. It arises out of the data protection legislation that was referenced during the course of questions. We had a briefing for all the individual Members and staff in the House on the implications for Members of the House of the new data protection regime. Unfortunately, that briefing is now entirely redundant because the Bill has been substantially amended. I ask for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to arrange for a full briefing for Members and staff on the implications once the final Bill is enacted.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I will give the Minister for Justice and Equality the opportunity to reply.
Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I would very happy to so engage. I think it is important. My officials in the Department of Justice and Equality might be involved in an all-party briefing.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I believe it should be the commission that organises it.
Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I know that the Houses have engaged outside private consultants-----
Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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-----to engage in briefings for Members. I would have thought it appropriate that my officials and I might be involved. I would be very happy to take on board the suggestion of Deputy Howlin, if indeed I can take it as a suggestion. Maybe I will make early contact with the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's offices and we can arrange this on an all-party and independent basis.
Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that I will bring it to the attention of the commission.