Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 63 proposes the insertion of the words "Nothing in this Act shall affect the right of a professional body to regulate the conduct of the members of that body and to make rules of membership for that purpose." Everybody recognises that the Minister has set up the independent authority and what it is about, including its functions and the obligations with which it is charged. It is similar to any other organisation or club, such as a sporting organisation like the GAA or the IRFU where there are overarching authorities but also constituent organisations down the line. Providers of legal services are seeking to remove any ambiguity over whether they would be allowed to have an input into how they regulate aspects of the conduct of their own members, be they barristers or solicitors.

See this speech in context