Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Government amendments Nos. 3 to 6, inclusive, are in respect of sections 7 and 8. Let me refer to Senator Higgins's contribution to the Committee Stage debate during which she sought assurances that the setting up of the Data Protection Commission under Part 2 of the Bill would not in any way interrupt or disrupt investigations of complains already under way under the existing legislation from 1988. Arising from a reassessment of the continued application of the Act of 1988 to complaints lodged before the establishment of the commission, I propose amendment No. 5 to insert a new subsection (4) in section 7, which makes clear that the repeals referred to in section 7 will not apply to complaints made or investigations commenced before the setting up of the commission. Other amendments in this group, are merely adjustments to other provisions in sections 7 and 8. I wish to acknowledge the initiative of Senator Higgins in that regard and I thank her for raising the issue. I hope we have met her concerns.