Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will not take the full five minutes because this topic has been well covered and succinctly opened by the Minister, whom I welcome to the Chamber, in her contribution. The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. I understand there might be an immediate, instinctive reaction from some quarters who zealously protect data, but we have to assure them that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. We must place the common good first. Balances and checks are contained in this motion and in the Attorney General's advice, to which the Minister referred.

We have long since taken our place as a nation among the nations of the world. This is just one further example of solidifying that position and that Ireland is not, and never will be, a safe haven for criminality. We live in a place called Europe. There is an environmental phrase, "Think locally, act globally". This is very apropos for tonight when we want to do all we can. The only way of defeating people is to act, preferably, yesterday. We are already too late. We are all the time playing catch-up. All we can do is our very best and that includes global co-operation like never before.It might include some slight discomfort for some who zealously protect and value their independence. Data protection and privacy is a fundamental right and it is enshrined in our Constitution, but this is not repugnant to our Constitution or the right to privacy because there is a greater challenge at stake here to protect us all, and that must come first in the hierarchy of rights. Therefore, I agree with previous speakers and I am pleased to say that the Green Party-Comhaontas Glas will also be fully supportive of this initiative.