Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understood the point being made by the Senator was about the relevance or otherwise in section 28(1) of the words "who is or was". I see the reason for it being that one could be a member of a committee charged with communicating issues, resign from that committee and then become a member of another committee. We are seeking to cover all eventualities in the case of persons who are members of the commission and who, at any time, are members of either one or other of its committees. I see this as insurance to cover the confidentiality of communications and proceedings, as provided for in section 28(2)(a).