Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that there has been some movement from the Minister compared to Committee Stage. It is some assurance with regard to the processes we outlined and the ambiguity about whether there would be any clear regulations around the data obtained using cameras or other data gathering devices. As I understand it, the Minister is committing, through a later amendment, to making adjustments to the new section 77A(6) to ensure there will be regulations in that respect. That is something. However, the concern about the very broad framing still applies, as does the concern around operating "on behalf of".

I am looking to the way the data might be used as well. We need clarity about how the data will be processed fully. For example, will it be used for training? A lot of the tools that are offered to us for useful gathering of data are themselves using the data to train and shape their own processes. We are contributing to that, especially when using outsourced actors in this regard, and there is a question about how those outsourced and commercial actors, which may have multiple clients, are using the data. There have been multiple examples of concerns relating to that issue and concerns about data. This is potentially quite intensive data in respect of the public and operating in the public realm. We are talking about the public on our streets and on our roads and data gathering in respect of that public, in the public world and in the public space, which, bear in mind, is where a lot of people spend a lot of time. In China, for example, the public realm and public space has become a not-safe space for persons, where data is gathered in respect of them. There is still huge ambiguity here. I appreciate that the Minister has made some improvements in respect of the Bill, taking on board our points from Committee Stage, but my concerns still absolutely remain.

When I spoke first I perhaps did not respond in respect of all the Minister's regulations. I do not think amendments Nos. 30 and 36 are in this grouping.