risk and that it should only be used as a ground for refusal where risk mitigations such as redactions or partial disclosures would not afford sufficient protection. We do not believe that these qualifications overcome the ultimate effect, which would be to lower the threshold.
Amendment … have taken to support and facilitate the work of the inquiry, including putting in place a memorandum of understanding in relation to the disclosure of materials implementing measures to support the disclosure of sensitive personal data and bringing forward this Bill, and it will inform our consideration
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their careers would not excel and they might have to look for references. They were used to sign non-disclosure agreements. This is wrong.
Under the Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of Certain Records Act 2024, NDAs are void when victimisation occurs, including harassment, sexual harassment … somebody to admit guilt - eight years. How many more non-disclosure agreements have been signed to prevent the course of justice? That is what I want to know. Will these people be fully protected under this Act if they come forward now? I do not want to hear
have fought for so long.
I note the architecture that preceded this Bill. It includes the memorandum of understanding on disclosure of state materials, the data protection regulations that enable transfer of sensitive personal data and the directives to the Garda Commissioner to support co-operation. They were … delay is the sheer volume of state material still being processed. The lead counsel to the inquiry has confirmed the full Irish disclosure will not be complete until June. I want to be fair here. The inquiry's own counsel has praised the efforts of the State
about national security; it is about protecting institutions and people from accountability. Victims and families are entitled to ask simple and legitimate questions. Who knew? What did they know? Why were they allowed to act with apparent impunity? Disclosures from State records have suggested that knowledge existed between … waited over 50 years. Any continued withholding of information cannot be justified by appeals to historical sensitivity or institutional protection. The Irish Government has consistently called for full disclosure through independent international judicial examination of all British-held records. That demand remains not only valid but absolutely urgent
retailers with a turnover of over €10 million to publish full, audited annual accounts and that the Consumer Protection Act be amended to compel disclosure of information. That is very important.
I strongly support Deputy Nash’s amendment to the motion. We have 250,000 children living
rather than duplicate, existing regulatory requirements. It sits under the legislative umbrella of the Central Bank of Ireland's consumer protection code, CPC, and aligns with relevant disclosure requirements and requirements to inform customers effectively. The revised CPC came into effect on 24 March this year … respect of non-compliance with the revised CPC.
The voluntary nature of the code allows for an appropriate balance between transparency and the protection of commercially sensitive information. The code has been carefully designed to provide meaningful insight to consumers into how premiums are calculated, while ensuring that
from informal or administrative disclosures. Survivors recognise this as a necessary safeguard. Amendments that introduce a presumption of non-disclosure, create a form of statutory privilege and extend protection to other sensitive records such as medical or child protection files are important steps. The Bill does take cognisance … prepare them for a court date. I welcome some moves in that respect, as do survivors.
The Bill reinforces the justification clause for disclosure and that there would be some form of judicial oversight. I was contacted by survivors and that is why I am emphasising them
European Commission has powers with respect to the proliferation of illegal content online on platforms and the protection of fundamental rights, including protection for minors. The EU Council and Parliament also reached political agreement on 7 May 2026 on the proposed the digital omnibus on Al. The proposed … Social media platforms are frequently named as defendants in such actions, primarily as a mechanism for content removal and identity disclosure of third parties posting content.
Data protection law may also be relevant in addressing the unauthorised use and dissemination of synthetic deepfakes using generative Al tools. Content
result of this controversy. The Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, must reassure artists that their funding will be protected and that we will see full disclosure and accountability for this overspend.
Oireachtas committees are yet to be formed. As a result, we need to have
Committee Stage, I will seek to try to change the presumption so that there is a presumption for non-disclosure. In effect, I will give a stronger protection to counselling notes to ensure that it should be the exception that they be disclosed and they would only
longer use the threat of legal cases to prevent the disclosure or exposure of wrongdoing or criminal acts by those corporations or by their agents, and the like, and that there are protections here for other civil and consumer cases. We should be encouraging whistleblowers in particular … because they did not have faith in their own whistleblowing and how the disclosures were being treated by that organisation. We cannot just pass the legislation. We have to act accordingly and ensure the protections are there.
The free press and free debate have to be protected
services by a child protection professional, a competent person, a medical professional, a social care worker or a social worker;
(g) the effect of the determination on the integrity of the trial process;
(h) the likelihood that disclosing, or requiring the disclosure of, the record will cause harm … pursuant to subsection (11), (12) or (13), in the interests of justice and to protect the right to privacy of any person to whom the applicable record relates, the court shall only grant disclosure of such specific material as is strictly necessary and the court may impose
bombing for a cross-Border public inquiry. The families, who have campaigned for 27 years for that inquiry, deserve full transparency and full disclosure about the events that led to the killing of their loved ones. The Government declined to establish a parallel independent inquiry in this jurisdiction … that might work in practice.
Concerns have also been raised that national security limits could restrict disclosure because governments, and particularly that of our nearest neighbours, often protect intelligence services and operations. Under the terms of this Bill, officials may decline to provide evidence and broad security claims
safeguards. It requires independent financial legal advice, provides for a cooling-off period and clear disclosure requirements and ensures that these agreements are subject to proper regulatory oversight. Most importantly, it protects the homeowner's rights to remain in their home for life. This is a central principle
functions and powers only to the extent necessary to complete remaining tasks. This includes that the NTMA shall take all steps necessary to protect, enhance or realise the value of the bank assets transferred. This section also provides that the NTMA may have the powers necessary … appropriate use and disclosure of information necessary for the management of these assets, ensuring that such disclosures do not breach confidentiality obligations and remain subject to data protection law.
Finally, sections 49Z to 49AD, inclusive, include a number of important supporting provisions, including those relating to payments
that might work in practice. Concerns have also been raised that national security limits could restrict disclosure because governments, particularly the Government of our nearest neighbour, often protect intelligence services and operations.
Under the terms of this Bill, as they stand, officials may decline to provide evidence
disclosure was introduced in relation to these records. A presumption of non-disclosure ensures the legal status of these records is that they are not to be released except in certain circumstances. The current protection regime will also be extended to the following personal records: medical records, child … protection records and social work records. Those records often contain highly personal information and are currently routinely disclosed. These reforms will ensure that any disclosure of sensitive material only occurs where necessary and always subject to strict judicial scrutiny.
It is a significant strengthening of the law over
Legal Aid Board, to act on the victim's behalf.
Even where a court orders disclosure, it may impose any condition it considers necessary in the interest of justice and to protect the privacy of any person. These include a condition that part of the record be redacted … holder; and that it be used solely for the purposes of the criminal proceedings.
Similarly, if a victim does not object to the disclosure of counselling records, the disclosure is still made under strict conditions. The prosecution requires undertakings from the defence as to how the records will
boost to meet the same standard going forward.
We also have to look at the protection of gardaí. This is a serious issue. They have a responsibility of non-disclosure in their communities and they do not want to be whistleblowers, but they are concerned. They … making up a story because it is a serious issue, especially given recent events. That prompted their call for further and proper protective gear going forward, especially coloured gear, for their safety on the side of the road. They are keeping us safe in the long term. That
moment to poison young men's minds in particular. None of this is acceptable, particularly in this State, when there were 45,765 disclosures of domestic abuse to Women's Aid helplines in 2024. The Dublin Rape Crisis helpline had 22,700 contacts in 2024. The Garda recorded … there are still issues. We know the logjams for those seeking protection orders of all kinds, even down to the set-up in Garda stations, which are not necessarily suitable for somebody making a disclosure. I welcome the specialist teams like that in Castlebellingham and others throughout
advanced this issue, to ensure it is recognised in certain instances. This is a child protection issue.
In May, I received approval from Cabinet to pursue proposals to limit the disclosure of counselling records in rape and sexual assault cases. That is a provision I have managed … strangulation and stalking and providing for the making of civil orders restraining stalking conduct and strengthened the law around harassment and ensuring the protection of the identity of alleged victims of harassment and stalking in court proceedings.
The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 ensures
firms, are transparent and fair in all their dealings with borrowers. The revised and strengthened consumer protection code will come into effect next March and will set out requirements for enhanced disclosure on mortgage switching options and the impact of incentives on the overall cost of credit
terms of protection of whistleblowers, there is very comprehensive legislation to protect whistleblowers. That is there and there are good systems in place and avenues by which disclosures can be made, dealt with and responded to in a systemic way. I am not clear in terms
page 21, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following:
“(4) (a) Where an authorised officer or an adjudication officer compels the disclosure of a record or takes possession of a record in accordance with subsection (3)—
(i) the officer concerned shall not, pending the final determination … slow to recognise the impact that some of this legislation could have on the protection of legal or journalistic privilege. Under section 32(3) and (4), the Bill allows for the compelled disclosure of potentially privileged material. This is subject to a subsequent High Court determination with
country we are told is rich, yet which cannot provide the most basic protection when a life may depend on it? That should shame us all.
Women's Aid recorded over 62,000 disclosures of domestic abuse last year, the highest number in its history. It recorded over … disclosures involving coercive control. We know abuse does not end when relationships end, with almost one in three women seeking support reporting abuse by a former partner. This is happening in every county, city and community in Ireland.
While I welcome proposals being examined to allow gardaí
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