Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I support my colleague, Senator Regan, and the other speakers on the question of some form of privilege for local authority members. As one who served on a local authority for many years I do not believe there was ever an occasion where privilege was used but anything can happen in the heat of the moment and if occasions arise where, in the heat of the moment, battle can be established, there should be some form of privilege for the member. Heated debate can take place in chambers and comments made in anger or in the heat of the moment. However, I agree with Senators who said there should be some form of privilege for a local authority member. I ask the Minister to examine that because it is an important issue for local government.