Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

In regard to Senator O'Toole's point about yesterday's Order of Business, we can take this matter up at the CPP. It is a well-established precedent of both Houses that references to people outside the House, including public officials, are not permitted. The Chair has always ruled that persons outside the House should not be referred to by name or in any way that would make them identifiable. Even where a Senator wishes to pay tribute to a person outside the House, or an official, there may be other Members who wish to express a contrary view.

In brief, there are two issues on which those rulings are based. Contributions made in the House have absolute privilege and it is the responsibility of each Member and the Chair to ensure there is no abuse of this privilege. Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable as he or she is defenceless against accusations made under privilege of this House.