Ms Clare Tiernan:

For the purposes of this legislation, at the outset I should say that there are already provisions in place regarding what representative associations or individuals can do in terms of public commentary and it is not intended to change those. Under the regulations governing representative associations, they have the right to comment on any matter within the scope of representation, and that is not intended to change. Similarly, provisions are already in the legislation regarding the regulation of individuals and the general scheme is reflecting what is already in place.