Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)

Before statements commence, I wish to make a brief announcement. As my predecessors have ruled in similar circumstances, while the Chair fully acknowledges that the House is about to embark on a discussion of a tribunal of inquiry report which criticises named individuals who are very much in the public domain, I ask Members to be mindful when making their contributions to take into account as far as is reasonably possible the long-standing convention of this House, namely, that Members should avoid criticising or making charges against a person outside the House as he or she is defenceless against accusations made under privilege. Standing Order 59 offers some protections and safeguards to persons in this regard. However, these are limited. It remains the case that serious allegations should not be made under privilege.

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