Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

My officials have reminded me this is the first Bill, other than legislation from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, that has been referred to the Irish Human Rights Commission. It is also the first Bill on which the Oireachtas Library and Research Service did a helpful analysis, for which we are grateful.

I thank Senators Cummins, Coghlan, Alex White, Ormonde and Quinn who raised important issues in the debate. I welcome the debate's constructive tone and the support given by all sides of the House to this important legislation. The Government has tried to be as accommodating as possible. In the Dáil, the Bill was amended in several areas to take account of Opposition suggestions. We have a better Bill on that account.

This is the first legislation in this area since the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, as pointed out by Senator Coghlan, and it is not before its time. It is progressive legislation, carefully balancing the need for tight security and preserving the liberties and privacy of individual citizens. We live in an era of increased opportunity for identity fraud and misuse of sensitive information. The right legislative framework to punish those who would seek to undermine the integrity of the passport system, the State's premier form of identification, must be put in place. It is important the Irish passport retains its reputation as one of the most secure in the world. Every Irish visitor abroad would be disadvantaged if vigilance were not maintained in this area. I understand Senator Alex White's views on diplomatic passports. The issuing of them can be examined when considering the regulations.

The highest possible level of data protection must be ensured. Citizens must have the confidence the personal data they provide in good faith is stored securely and used only for legitimate purposes. This balance has been achieved in this Bill. I thank my officials for their work in both Houses.