Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a last point as we are on Committee Stage. I will again indicate something that can perhaps be provided for under the regulations. This matter relates to the regulations under GDPR but I will address it more widely. The Minister will be aware I also had amendments that were ruled out of order in respect of what is a very basic suggestion, which is that information campaigns, for example, highlight the options open to persons under this Act, including their options under GDPR. As the Minister said, it is very important people know that their rights under GDPR are not negatively affected by the provisions of this Act. The idea is those provisions are meant to be supplementary and in addition to rights persons may hold under GDPR.

As I said, I had amendments that were, unfortunately, ruled out of order, which sought to require the information accompanying information campaigns that may arise from this would be in plain English. A separate issue, and one I will raise with the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, is the fact that an amendment to suggest an information campaign would be in plain English, something that is stated Government policy, was regarded as a charge on the Exchequer and not regarded as suitable for an amendment is outrageous. To simply have an amendment that states something could be communicated in a way people can understand regarded as an intrusion on the State's finances is a very serious question for the Seanad to solve in relation to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight.

Leaving aside that issue, which is for the Seanad to resolve, I hope the Minister will indicate, for example, as regards the regulations that he will set, the intention in those regulations to ensure that communication is in plain English, including communication on persons' rights under the general data protection regulation, so that people know and are given that information in plain English. That is even provided for within the general data protection regulation itself. Leaving aside the fact it is meant to be State policy to have plain English, there is within GDPR an actual specification that people should be able to understand their rights under that regulation. The Minister might indicate his intention to ensure all relevant information is communicated in a way that is in plain English and that is understandable to persons, regardless of their levels of education. I do not doubt the Minister's commitment in that regard but it would be useful to have that assurance given to the House.