Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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468. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current status of the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill; and when the Bill will move to the next stage. [22951/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 was enacted in July 2022, with the majority of the provisions commenced in June 2023 and remaining provisions commenced in August 2023.

That Act amended and updated the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 on an urgent basis, to take account of rulings of the European Court of Justice.

An important consideration in developing this legislation was the provision of legal certainty to communications service providers and state agencies in relation to the obligations that apply to them with regard to the retention of communications data, which is vital for law enforcement and national security purposes.

The Deputy may be aware that I am committed to bringing forward further consolidated legislation in this area. Work is ongoing by my officials in that regard.