Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I am glad he was not around in 1937. If he had been, we certainly would not have the safeguards that are afforded to the Houses of the Oireachtas now in terms of guaranteeing our papers or the right to have privilege. If I were proposing that we should have absolute privilege for any utterance made in the House I think the Senator would be doing a war dance. One may already impugn somebody in the House and take their good name and there is no comeback. That is in the Constitution. Parliament needs certain rights to do the people's business. In the context of the rights that are there already, this measure is modest enough. I hope people will accept that.

Senator Mullen asked three questions. Practical matters, such as procedures and training, will have to be done. The other issues of impartiality, external influence or leaking to the media are covered in the draft heads which I have already published. For example, to leak an accusation against someone before the report is done will be an offence, punishable under law.