Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Clearly, it will be in the interests of the commission to protect the anonymity of individuals. That will be its mode of operation. It also has independent powers to investigate cases in which it believes there are abuses. This proposal would not add anything to these protections. As the Senator pointed out, if one is prosecuting and the evidence of the accuser is necessary, anonymity cannot be protected at that stage. The Bill provides for the necessary protections being sought by the Senator.