Seanad debates

Thursday, 7 July 2022

Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022: Report and Final Stages

 

9:30 am

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I fully support this series of amendments and I thank Senator Ruane for setting them out. I have expressed some concerns before about the issues they raise. When we had a debate in this House on a Bill brought forward by Senator Malcolm Byrne dealing with similar issues, we were told the Government was looking at the matter and needed more detail. I am aware that a number of local authorities have had severe fines imposed on them relating to surveillance practices. In some cases, they related to focused and targeted surveillance of Travellers. The councils were found to be in serious breach of their responsibilities and duties in regard to data and so on.

We must be careful in how we approach these issues. I understand the motive and reasoning for what is proposed in the Bill but I also understand the issues around civil liberties and the impact on the freedoms of citizens. The provision for a surveillance transparency notice is really important. I spoke to a person who has a similar CCTV system in operation on a commercial premises. When I asked how a person who trespassed on the premises would know he or she was being surveilled, I was told about the obligations the business has in this regard. There are clearly visible notices displayed and when someone comes into a certain zone, a recording is played announcing that the person has entered a CCTV-monitored security area. There are warnings in place.

I have very serious concerns about the issues Senator Ruane is seeking to address in these amendments. She has articulated her proposals well and they are very reasonable. Knowing the Minister of State, I believe he will have some sympathy with them. He has a certain amount of expertise in this area. Senator Ruane has made a good case for the amendments and they are worthy of support. It certainly is an issue we will have to return to and review and it potentially is an area of concern.

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