Seanad debates

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Data Protection Bill 2018: [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] Report and Final Stages

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I very strongly welcome this set of amendments. One of the concerns that had been identified which was only partially addressed in the Seanad was around the lack of transparency and accountability in the circumstances under which exemptions were made in areas such as public interest. I strongly commend all those in the Dáil who put forward what I believe are extremely nuanced and constructive proposals that strengthen the Bill and ensure that, specifically in areas where exemption is being made to a data subject’s rights or, crucially, where a decision is being made in the public interest, there is accountability and transparency. It is in the public interest that exemptions in the public interest would be subjected to a proper process such as this.These amendments will ensure we do not have a situation whereby any exception, or a series of exceptions, becomes the rule, but instead that an exception to the highest level of protection for data subjects always remains just that, an exception, and is subject to scrutiny. I commend everyone in the Dáil who proposed the amendments, and the Minister for accepting and keeping them.

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