Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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272. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the referendum to protect the right of citizens to communicate in confidence with public representatives will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43146/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Programme for Government contained a commitment to address the issue of confidential communications with public representatives through constitutional change. Following a detailed policy assessment and on the basis of legal analysis, it was decided to legislate in relation to this issue. The Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013 provides for qualified privilege for confidential communication from members of the public to members of either House of the Oireachtas. The privilege provided for in the Act applies in all circumstances and is not restricted to inquiries carried out under the Act.