Then attorney general Patrick Connolly, who would resign months later after a murderer was arrested in his home, argued against the idea.

Seán Haughey, who is the son of former taoiseach Charles Haughey, has served as a councillor, senator, TD and minister of state during his time in politics

In 2018 the Independent TD successfully appealed a decision by the tribunal to only award him one third of the costs of his legal representation.