Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the very important step that was taken by the Minister, which he took in the previous debate, to agree to the imposition of administrative fines of up to €1 million on public authorities. That is appropriate. I see the concern the Minister is addressing in the amendments. I accept them and I think they are practicable. It is still important that there would be a strong level of internal accountability within public authorities but in terms of the imposition of fines it is appropriate that it is the authority rather than the individual who would pay them.

It will be an important test for the Government to follow through on the agreement that fines can be imposed. It is important that we see a seriousness of approach and message to all public authorities in the implementation of the Bill. I am sure the Minister can assure me of that.

Given that I did not have a chance to come back in on the previous group, I wish to add that I accept the Minister's points on the European bodies but could he assure me that it will be a European-wide competition for the data commission?