Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

While I accept the intent of this amendment and that it is important legal professional privilege is protected for every one, I am assured such privilege does not require specific mention in the legislation or in the Statute Book. It has been pointed out to me that legal professional privilege has existed as a common law right and has protected citizens in a generic fashion for many years. On that basis I am satisfied the intent of the Senator's amendment is covered fully in existing practice and it is not necessary to state it explicitly in the Bill.