Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Senator White raised the issue I wish to raise, namely, privilege for local authority meetings. In carrying out their public duties, councillors perform important work in the public interest. Was consideration given to the extension of this section to local authority meetings and local area committee meetings? The work of councils is significant. Much of European Union legislation is now implemented through local authorities. This is important work and there would appear to be a case that the privilege referred to in this section might be extended to local authorities and local councillors. I invite the Minister to comment.