Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's session is to conduct detailed scrutiny of the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2017, which is sponsored by our committee colleague, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. We are joined from the Policing Authority by Ms Josephine Feehily, chairperson, and Ms Helen Hall, chief executive officer. We have Ms Karen Shelly, assistant principal, in the Public Gallery. The witnesses are welcome and we thank them for engaging with us on this proposed Private Members' Bill.

I have to remind members once again that under the Salient Rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I draw the attention of our witnesses to the position regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Before bringing in our witnesses, I will first invite Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, as the Bill's sponsor, to make an opening statement.