Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The data portal is a core element and it is a positive. The GDPR gets thrown in as if it is an obstacle, something complicated or a reason we cannot do things. In fact, the regulation is - and should be at its a core - an empowering element. One matter the European Union has got right is ensuring that people have the right to access their information and data.

I appreciate the position in respect of the data-sharing agreement. This again comes to back to the supplementary amendment No. 2 and the fact that we are dealing with bodies that provide services and those that propose to provide them. There is a concern in that regard. The Minister of State might confirm that those who access data portals will not simply be able to just search for a data sharing agreement that they know they might be part of but data sharing agreements that might not know they might be part of. One of the concerns is the language in certain parts of the Bill to the effect regarding circumstances were public bodies propose to provide services to people. It is important to ensure that it will be made transparent and that the mechanisms for persons to take action will also be made clear. I acknowledge that the Minister of State has strengthened the Bill by ensuring, as I requested, that it deals with data breaches. That is important, particularly in the context of the very concerning data breaches which occurred in hospitals and elsewhere and by which individuals were affected.