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Parliamentary committee protected by constitutional privilege from action arising from utterances
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The Supreme Court of Ireland has affirmed the High Court's decision that a damages claim related to utterances made by members of a parliamentary committee cannot be maintained, due to the constitutional privileges granted to members of the Oireachtas. The appellant, a former CEO of a not-for-profit company, sought damages for alleged misfeasance of public office and breach of constitutional rights, claiming her reputation was damaged during committee hearings. The Court held that the claim was precluded by Article 15 of the Constitution, which protects freedom of debate and utterances within the Oireachtas, and that the claim sought to make members amenable to the court in respect of such utterances, which is constitutionally impermissible.
Note: There are 2 other judgments published for this case.
Supreme Court of Ireland, Oireachtas, parliamentary privilege, Article 15 of the Constitution, damages claim, misfeasance of public office, breach of constitutional rights, reputation, Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Health Service Executive (HSE), Solas, Charitable Lotteries Scheme, non-justiciability, separation of powers, utterances, freedom of debate, High Court, CEO, not-for-profit company, constitutional immunities, amenability, legal proceedings.
Note: This is intended to be a fair and accurate report of a decision made public by a court of law. Any errors should be notified to the editor and will be dealt with accordingly.
