Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what the Deputy has said in this regard. The section imposes a general confidentiality obligation on the mediator and parties to a mediation. Following a review of the section, it has become clear that it does not go far enough in ensuring the confidentiality of the mediation process. For this reason, amendment No. 29 proposes deletion of the words "by the mediator with the parties" and the insertion of the words "oral statements". Deputies will accept the fact that this will broaden the confidentiality obligation to all communications made in the context of the mediation, including any oral statement that might be made by a participant.

Deputy Daly’s amendment seeks to achieve the same end but, given the fact my amendment is similar, I hope she will feel she is in a position not to press her amendment.