Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

These amendments relate to the composition of the data governance board, which plays a key role in the data-sharing Bill and the proposed new system of data governance. I acknowledge the Minister of State has addressed the majority of the concerns I have regarding gender balance, composition and ensuring clarity on the time people might sit on the board. In this regard, I will not press the majority of my amendments. There is only one area in which we will come to a slight conflict, which is with regard to amendments Nos. 63 and 64. My concern is that the overall positive amendment No. 63 allows the Minister to appoint no fewer than two and no more than four people who are not employees or holders of an office or other position in a public body. If the number of members of the board is increased in the future, the cap of no more than four people who are not employed by a public body could be an issue. I agree with every other word of the amendment. Amendment No. 64 also proposes no fewer than two members who are not employees of a public body but removes the cap of having four such people. This is the only difference, otherwise the wording is identical. I acknowledge the thought that has gone into these amendments on the part of the Minister of State. Amendment No. 64 is slightly better worded and could address a concern that might arise.