Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It will be the law on Friday. Many people who are not computer literate cannot deal with the intricacies, difficulties and challenges of websites. I would like the Department, through the Data Protection Commissioner, to have a dedicated telephone hotline for a few weeks. Many people may be non-compliant through no fault of their own because there may be bits of information on websites. It is very technical, challenging and new. The Minister of State cannot do this but the officials sitting behind him can. They have a responsibility, and it is required that they would do this because the last thing we want is a flood of people who find they are not compliant. That goes against the spirit of what the EU and this legislation are trying to achieve. The best we can have is a free flow of information and access to information and clarification for businesses, community and voluntary groups which might have a barrage of complaints against them through no fault of their own. As an example, the Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA, is extremely well versed in its obligations under this legislation but I am sure there are many other community groups that are not as well versed in their obligations. We need a hotline to ensure that the people who work every week for nothing, doing their best for their communities, do not inadvertently find themselves in breach of data protection legislation. This is extremely important.