The Data Protection Bill 2018 was published last week, when, yet again, there was another patient data breach at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. Four pages from a consultant's report were found on the street, with the names and personal details, medical conditions and treatment of 18 patients. This is the third patient data breach in as many years. Will the Taoiseach instruct the HSE to meet those patients who are affected and apologise to them? How will the Data Protection Bill address such repeated breaches? Why are public bodies such as the HSE exempt from fines for data breaches? Will this also be addressed in the Bill?

I share the Deputy's concern on the point at issue. However, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I am not in a position to direct anything towards the HSE. Subject to the Business Committee's approval, I would be very keen to have the legislation debated at a very early stage. With this in mind, I hope we can do so by the end of this week. There are a number of issues involved in the legislation, one of which was mentioned by the Deputy, that can be the subject matter of debate. I am very keen that we introduce the legislation this week.