John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

That is not to comment on the legitimacy of any perspective, but people have the right to report in the way they think is correct and professional.

The House should examine the Law Reform Commission's review of the tribunals. They were established by the Oireachtas, so this House has a direct interest. The commission has made proposals as to how the tribunals could be conducted more efficiently and how the legal work on behalf of represented parties could be minimised. There was also a suggestion that certain hearings could be broadcast. There is a pointless nightly charade whereby RTE employs actors to recreate tribunal proceedings from the official record, but it would be easy to install cameras. It is a measure of the law's lack of accountability and transparency that proceedings are not held in full view of the public gaze. I understand the commission also points out that, in certain circumstances, private hearings would lead to more speedy conclusions. The report is a comprehensive document and the House should examine it, given that the Oireachtas establishes tribunals in the first instance.