Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the strong engagement the Minister had with this House throughout this process and the fact that he has taken on board many proposals in the Dáil on Committee and Report Stages. I believe there was a change, which was made on Committee Stage but was undone on report Stage, relating to the appointment of data protection commissioners and I wonder if the Minister could clarify. The idea of having a role for the data protection commissioner on the selection panel in the European Data Protection Supervisor's office was discussed.The data protection commission in Ireland will play a key role on a European level. Much as the fundamental rights agency has a role in the selection process for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, it had been envisaged that there would be a potential role for those European authorities in the selection process. I know that had been discussed and I believed the change had been made on Committee Stage so perhaps the Minister might just explain the rationale for why that change has not been maintained and perhaps give some assurances that we will ensure these are open competitions and that we ensure the very best people that are available on a European level or globally can come and fill the roles. It has been made clear by the current Data Protection Commissioner that this is a key role for Ireland. We will effectively be a first line of regulation in many cases, certainly affecting the large tech agencies.