International Protection Bill 2026: Report and Final Stages
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-25
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

The main amendment in this grouping is amendment No. 271, which proposes the insertion of a new section 274 to provide for the sharing of information by relevant bodies. The purpose of the new section is to make clear provision for the sharing of information, including personal data, by public bodies for the purpose of carrying out functions under the Bill. Provision is made for necessary safeguards. Information may be shared under the new section only to the extent that it is necessary and proportionate and subject to suitable and specific measures being taken to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects in processing the personal data. Where information is shared under the new section, the relevant body with which it is shared may only use the information for the purpose of the performance by it of its functions and only to the extent necessary and proportionate for that purpose. The proposed new section will enable the Minister for justice to make regulations on information sharing for the purposes of this Bill. Relevant principles and policies to govern the exercise of the regulation-making power are also included. The Minister will be required to have regard to the need to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects and to specify suitable and specific measures to safeguard these fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects in the sharing of personal data. Relevant bodies will be permitted to enter data sharing agreements subject to safeguards corresponding to those in the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019. The sharing of personal data relating to applicants for international protection and beneficiaries of temporary protection is governed by a number of existing enactments. It is clearly stated this new section is not intended to affect the operation of other enactments that permit or require data collection or data sharing.
Amendments Nos. 9, 11 and 236 are consequential on amendment No. 271.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-03-25/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-25