Bill to implement GDPR in Ireland reaches second stage in Dáil

Legislation to transpose the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into Irish law has come before the Dáil for second stage debate.

Addressing TDs, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said the Data Protection Bill 2018 is “an important bill with wide ranging provisions”.

It has already been passed by the Seanad and should be enacted by the entry into force of the GDPR in May.

Mr Flanagan said: “The updated data protection rules will affect all of us in one way or another. It will affect each of us as individuals, because it will increase our control over the manner in which, and the purposes for which, our own personal data are used.

“It will affect businesses – whether large, medium or small – because it will require them to review, and update, the manner in which they collect, use or store the personal data of their customers and their clients, or any other individual whose personal data they retain. The same applies to Government Departments and all public bodies.”

He added: “A number of significant amendments, both government and opposition, were made to the bill in the Upper House. I look forward to engaging with Deputies as the Bill progresses through the Dáil.”