Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

That was precisely my point before Senator Norris engaged in mere vulgar abuse. If we are going to recognise bodies corporate, we would cover the entire span of incorporated entities under the companies legislation. That includes commercial and some, but not all, charitable bodies. It also includes older bodies established under Latin letters patent, such as the University of Dublin and other such places.

I do not have a very strong view on that but there is a point of view that can be expressed on either side. One danger I see in this is if the protection is not provided against the abuse of power by media organisations, articles can be worded in such a way as to defame companies rather than individuals. On the other side there is a danger identified by Senator Norris that very wealthy companies can use this as a method for chilling comment about themselves.

I am not disposed to delete the section as there is an issue to be addressed.