Dail Privileges

Information

Members of Parliament in Ireland (TDs and Senators) enjoy certain constitutional privileges. This means that they have certain rights and privileges that are set down by Bunreacht na hEireann (the Irish constitution).

• TDs and Senators may not for example, be arrested when going to, returning from or being within the precincts of either of the Houses of Parliament (the Dáil or Seanad). This privilege does not apply to arrest for treason, felony or breach of the peace.
• TDs and Senators may not be sued for defamation because of any speech in the House. This privilege protects members both in the House and at Committee hearings.

If a member of either House acts in a way that amounts to an abuse of a privilege, the Committee on Procedures and Privileges may recommend disciplining the member.