Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the same vein as what I said during our discussion of the previous amendments, I have concerns about the Government amendments as they seek to broaden the technology that will potentially be used for surveillance. Again, without any appropriate safeguards attached in this legislation, they amend all mention of cameras to "cameras and other data-gathering devices". This, once again, extends surveillance powers in what I would see as a very concerning way. Indeed, the provisions on cameras in the original draft of the Bill are already concerning in and of themselves.

Many times over the past year we have seen open-ended provisions around technology being introduced. The speed at which data-gathering technology is developing is beyond anything with which we can keep pace. If the Minister is referring to the need to allow motion-sensor cameras, for example, then that should be specified in the primary legislation. If he is referring to other technology, we should specify what that is. The phrase “data-gathering device” is an absurdly broad definition and could apply to any number of devices which incorporate intrusive artificial intelligence. We are repeatedly seeing the Government choose not to be cautious when it comes to granting powers of surveillance in legislation. For me, that is at odds with the direction of movement at a European level. It is at odds with the recommendations of human rights and civil liberties organisations. Will the Minister clarify why this provision is necessary? Will he clarify why this provision is any better than a more specific provision which would name and define specific technologies to be used? Why does this provision need to be so broad?