Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ruane for her comments. I completely agree with her that this issue about the regulation of facial recognition technology, artificial intelligence and machine-based learning technology systems is something which we have to treat with real attention. It is a significant issue with regard to getting the balance right between the deployment of technology, the protection of human rights and a good justice and judicial system.

I will treat the two amendments, Nos. 35 and 46, slightly differently, if I may. While I understand the logic behind amendment No. 35, I do not intend to accept it, not because I disagree in principle with some of the motives behind it, but my disagreement is purely on a technical point. What is proposed in the definition is that there is a risk that it would make it impossible to install or use any camera if it happened to be capable of capturing facial information. That would effectively mean that we could not use any camera, so that objection is purely a technical one.

The nub of the issue is contained in amendment No. 46 because this is very complex, and understanding how we get the regulation of technology right in this is an amendment I would be willing to come back and consider. I might ask my Department to look in more detail at some of the legal wording to ensure that we are not inadvertently creating difficulties. There is and can be no intention in my mind to use technology such as this without the Oireachtas passing legislation to designate certain areas for the use of technology in an appropriate way. I am happy that we should consider legislation to ensure that that is not an outcome of this legislation. It requires further consideration and I would like to come back on Report Stage, consider the amendment in the meantime, perhaps try to address the concerns that are raised but ensure it does not inadvertently create any other difficulties for us.