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Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
The Daily PollPoll: Do you think TDs should be allowed to say what they want in Leinster House?
The system of parliamentary privilege means politicians have immunity to defamation suits and so can say what they want in the Dáil, do you think that’s fair?
AS IT STANDS TDs have parliamentary privilege which allows them to make what gardaí have described as “unfounded, unsubstantiated or malicious allegations” against any member of the public without fear of having to defend the statement.
The Deputy General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, John Jacob, says this system should be reconsidered. His comments come after Mick Wallace made serious allegations against a named member of An Garda Síochána last month.
However advocates point out that it allows for TDs to raise serious issues for discussion, without fear of being sued for defamation.
So today we’re asking, Do you think TDs should be allowed to say what they want in Leinster House?
Poll Results:
Yes (3780)
No (2068)
I don't know (330)
have your say