Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's clarification of the scope of the potential application of this section. I continue to have concerns about the right of an individual to know that there has been a breach. A data breach is not normal processing - a data breach is a breach that is outside normal or appropriate processing; for example, where there has been improper or inappropriate sharing of a person's data. Some of the high-profile cases, tribunals of inquiry and debates we have had here in Ireland in recent years have pertained to areas of criminal justice. Questions of inappropriate breaches have arisen in the areas of criminal justice, criminal investigation and policing. There is still a question around the right of an individual to know when his or her information rights were inappropriately breached. In the normal course of prosecution, it is absolutely fine for data to be shared. Perhaps it is something we can revisit. I am certainly happy with the Minister's clarification that the concern is narrower than I might have hoped, but I still have concerns. Nonetheless, I will not press the amendment at this point. I hope to engage on it further.