Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the first part of the meeting is to meet the chairman designate of Bord na Móna, Mr. John Horgan, to discuss the approach he will take in his new role and his views on the challenges facing the company. Members will be aware of the Government decision in May 2011 to put in place new arrangements for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairmen designate to hear their views and trusts this will provide for greater transparency in the process of appointments to State boards and bodies.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. John Horgan and draw his attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Witnesses' opening statements to the committee will be published on its website. Members are advised and reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair 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.