Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Presumably the only way this would be given public attention would be as a result of a case. In a given circumstance the courts would require clarity about who should have the data exchange. It would be in the public domain in that sense. Furthermore, if the Minister was so minded to include a body or bodies then he would issue a statement to that effect.

Finally, by virtue of the normal parliamentary oversight and the 21-day rule, which is a standard provision, that would come before both Houses. It would be in a circumstance of a case emerging before the courts whereby the court would propose, I suspect, that a new body or bodies would have to be brought into the data exchange. I imagine there would be substantial public discussion and comment about that which would then lead to the House taking a view about whether the annulment should occur within the 21 days. This would not be brushed under the carpet. I imagine it would have to come out of court proceedings, which are all in public.