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08/04/2013
Law For Politicians Needs To Be Urgently Addressed - Higgins
Senator Lorraine Higgins has said that the law exempting Oireacthas members from certain offences is archaic, and needs to be urgently addressed.
Her call comes in the wake of reports that some Oireachtas members have sought to have penalty points removed from their driving licence.
Ms Higgins said: "Under Article 15.13 of the Constitution, it states that Oireachtas members are privileged from arrest when going to, or returning from Leinster House, or indeed while within the confines of Leinster House.
"This Article of the Constitution effectively puts Oireachtas members outside the confines of the law, and I find it unacceptable that they should be treated as if they are above the law just because they are attending Oireachtas business.
"I believe this Article of the Constitution is outdated, and I call for it to be discussed before the Constitutional Convention. This must be done if we are to ensure that a level playing pitch exists for all drivers."
(CD)
Her call comes in the wake of reports that some Oireachtas members have sought to have penalty points removed from their driving licence.
Ms Higgins said: "Under Article 15.13 of the Constitution, it states that Oireachtas members are privileged from arrest when going to, or returning from Leinster House, or indeed while within the confines of Leinster House.
"This Article of the Constitution effectively puts Oireachtas members outside the confines of the law, and I find it unacceptable that they should be treated as if they are above the law just because they are attending Oireachtas business.
"I believe this Article of the Constitution is outdated, and I call for it to be discussed before the Constitutional Convention. This must be done if we are to ensure that a level playing pitch exists for all drivers."
(CD)
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