Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege with respect to the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action arising from anything said at a committee meeting. Witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on issue of the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and I remind them of the long-standing parliamentary practice in respect that as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity.

Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, and may consider it appropriate to seek legal advice in this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

For the second session, the committee will hear from representatives of the Save Our Shannon Organisation, including: Mr. Michael Silke, chairman; Mr. John Ryan, treasurer; and Mr. Liam Broderick, public relations officer. They are welcome to this evening's meeting. I will allow the witnesses five minutes to read an opening statement, and then we will proceed into a question and answer session.

The witnesses are taking two minutes each. That is fine, and whoever wants to go first may begin.