Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests from the ESRI, namely, Dr. Alan Barrett, Dr. Sheelah Connolly, Dr. John Curtis, Dr. Kelly de Bruin, Dr. Niall Farrell and Dr. Kieran McQuinn.

Before we begin, I will explain the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. They are expected, however, not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind Members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind Members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in these public meetings. I will not permit a Member to participate where they do not adhere to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite Dr. Barrett to give his opening statement.