Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Coghlan for his contribution. While the agency may be operating within the law, the problem is that it is not open and transparent. People need to have confidence in NAMA because taxpayers' money is involved.

I ask the Leader to arrange to have the Minister for Justice and Equality come before the House to discuss the issue of data protection. The religious orders and bishops are hiding behind this issue by insisting the Oireachtas introduce more legislation to allow them to share information with a body they established, the National Board for Safeguarding Children. They were informed three times last year and once again this year that data protection issues do not arise. The Data Protection Commissioner met the religious orders and indicated to them that further legislation is not required. Will the Leader seek clarification on this matter? It appears the agreement unfortunately reached with the religious orders cannot be undone. The orders should pay half of the costs of restitution to those who were in the institutions. The Catholic Church appears to be more concerned with protecting itself and its institutions than being open and transparent. I ask that the Minister for Justice and Equality provide the House with clarification on data protection issues and whether the Catholic Church should share information with its own audit.