Minister suggests sanctions for TDs who breach privilege rules

A Cabinet minister has suggested that stronger sanctions should be applied to politicians who breach Oireachtas privilege rules but defended the right of TDs to have their say in the Dail.

Communications Minister Alex White was responding to suggestions by former Fine Gael spin doctor Frank Flannery, who has called for more regulation about what can be said in the Dáil.

The comments come after it emerged recently that businessman Denis O’Brien is suing a Dáil committee following claims made about his banking arrangements in the Dáil by TDs.