Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the intention is there in terms of the operations. It is going back to the same issues we flagged earlier, such as proxy markers and how sensitive information might be used. I am thinking here of biometric data. The State has not always had a great record in processing this. The State has fallen short in the handling of special and sensitive personal data in the past. Unfortunately, I have to say that at times the DPC has not been as robust as we would like and I will come to that in some of my later amendments. The DPC has used a very iterative approach when in fact we need to ensure that we are implementing the law as well and as thoroughly as possible, rather than waiting for things to go wrong.

The Minister of State has indicated a few times the intention for the regulations to be laid before the Houses. This process has been really quite rushed. Since we are talking about Committee and Report Stages combined at the same time I ask that there would be a commitment on this. Many things get laid before the Houses, but I ask for a commitment that, at the invitation of this House, there would be a willingness to come and discuss such regulations and hear the input of Senators. I do not speak solely for myself. I know there are also Senators from the Government side who may well have useful input and comments to make on the regulations. Perhaps that is something that could be indicated as well.