Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for this. I acknowledge that he has engaged with us. We had very extensive debate on this matter, not only on this section but as an example of a concerns regarding the general data protection regulation that came up in respect of other sections. This is not something anybody lobbied me about. From reading the Bill, I could see what the effect could be if people were told somebody had called and inquired after them, multiple times in some cases, but were not told their name. They would know somebody had cared and reached out or had concerns about them but would not know who that was. People take comfort from the smallest amount of information. I acknowledge that the legislation already had good provisions in place for situations where people had left letters, pictures, mementos or documents. For those who may not have left a physical memento, the fact of the call will be something. I thank the Minister for listening to me on this issue. It is the kind of thing that will give people a lot of peace, or even closure or understanding. It will give them a stronger picture of their story. The way the Minister has framed the amendment, the degree of the relationship to another person will be given where applicable, but that does not limit it solely to those who may be relatives. In some cases, it was people who cared, neighbours or others who made inquiries and sought to help. This amendment is good. It will spare people distress. I thank the Minister for bringing it forward and I will be happy to withdraw mine in light of it. The Minister's amendment captures the issue quite well.