Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

My point is similar to that made by Senator Hayes. Section 1(b) states:

the possession, distribution, printing, publication or showing by either House of the Oireachtas, a committee (within the meaning of that Act) or any person of child pornography for the purposes of, or in connection with, the performance of any function conferred by the Constitution or by law on those Houses or conferred by a resolution of either of those Houses or resolutions of both of them on such a committee.

I presume that power is ringfenced to activities which would be devolved to a committee by the Houses of the Oireachtas and consequently to the individuals and does not extend beyond that point. It is important we are not opening up an area which could give impunity to Members of the Oireachtas. Such powers must apply to matters decided by both Houses in advance so no person could subsequently claim it as a defence. I presume that is the case. However, perhaps the Minister of State will clarify the matter.