Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. I am happy to do that. I will not speak for much longer. My key concern about the question of the database is that I was dissatisfied with the earlier answer. The Minister seems to be signalling that, perhaps, he has more positive answers to tell me now. In terms of the earlier answer, however, I do not believe being inefficient is an adequate argument for the database not being placed elsewhere besides with Tusla. An argument of duplication is inefficient given there are different jobs that Tusla may be mandated to do and that the Minister may be mandated to do in respect of the database in the future. The argument of inefficiency with regard to that database is inadequate, especially in a circumstance whereby there are no data processing agreements. Again, if there was a single data controller and a suite of data processor and data sharing agreements put in place which would allow relevant bodies to access the same database, perhaps, there might be an argument for saying a central repository would be more efficient. In a circumstance where we do not currently have those, however, it is, in fact, potentially negligent to solely have one location for such a crucial tool.

I urge the Minister to take a copy of the database. If he wanted to give the powers to Tusla then he can but he goes out of his way in this Bill to remove access to the database from himself. It is even put into the Title of the Bill. It is almost a gratuitous act of future self-sabotage. The Minister has signalled a wish to speak so I hope there is something he might say. If he does not accept my amendments, I urge him to indicate in the Dáil in the context of an amendment that he will ensure he will have a copy of the database. It is the first step towards the index which is what we all really want to see.