Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions both today and in our earlier discussions. Senator Brian Hayes raised a number of points, first regarding the fact that the directive dates from 1998, and that only now in 2003 are we implementing the legislation. I agree with his point and plead in defence that a general election occurred in between. That accounts for some of the delay but does not alter the fact that a five-year delay is quite unacceptable. The Government is conscious that it will have to shorten the timescale between the issuing of EU directives and our implementation of the same.

Senator Hayes also asked about consolidation, as did Senator Tuffy. They made the point that it is difficult to read two such Bills together. I am glad to be able to tell them that both pieces of legislation will be restated under the Statute Law (Restatement) Act 2002 before the end of 2003. Senator Hayes also asked the very interesting question about how many politicians had actually registered with the Data Protection Commissioner. I am informed that such questions are a matter for the data controller – the politician in this case – and the Data Protection Commissioner. We have no involvement, so I do not have that information.