Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-26
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Cathal Byrne (FG), Cultural and Educational Panel

I recognise the purpose behind the amendment being put forward by the Senators. Recognising the importance of the protection of journalists' sources and the recognition afforded to it by the courts over many years, will the Minister clarify whether this matter is already addressed by section 2(2)(b)? The section states that references to material being privileged:
shall be construed as a reference to the material being, by or under any enactment or rule of law—
[...]
(b) the subject of privilege, other than legal professional privilege, where, under the enactment or rule of law concerned, the holder of the material is obliged to disclose it to another person only where a court has directed such disclosure
Where journalists find themselves in situations where they are under pressure to disclose sources, is their privilege already protected by section 2(2)(b)? Will the Minister confirm whether that is the case?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-26