Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Higgins. The Minister is speaking to colleagues on the issue of political representation. Members of the public want to be updated on the work being done by political representatives. My understanding, which may be incorrect, is that a new set of guidelines will be introduced to deal with this issue. Similarly, if a member of the public contacts a Member of the Oireachtas with a specific query, Members will find it difficult to engage with various Departments on the issue. The Minister is aware of this as an issue because he has been a politician for a long time, probably longer than I have been around. He knows exactly what is required of us in the Irish political system, which is different from most other political systems.The only similar system is in Malta, which has a proportional representation single transferable vote system akin to that used to elect the Irish Parliament.

Irish people have a certain expectation of Members. When there was no Citizens Information Board, people such as the Minister, his father and others provided citizens with information and assistance and helped them in an advocacy role. It is very important for that to continue because although, thankfully, many people now know their rights and are able to advocate for themselves, there are still many people who are unable to access information or advocate for themselves and do not know how to go about simple tasks such as applying for a medical card. If constituency offices around the country are hampered in this very important advocacy role, the data protection legislation will have gone too far. When one contacts Departments, depending on who speaks to, one may be put through a list, including some looking for written consent. In one situation involving SUSI of which I am aware there had been a marital breakup and written consent had to be obtained from the student and both parents. Such requirements make the work of a public representative in terms of advocating on behalf of people very difficult. When this legislation comes to a finality, that issue must be cleared up.