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

I welcome Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, Ms Orla Ryan, Mr. Koen Verbruggen and Mr. Michael Hanrahan from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I draw their 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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. I also advise the officials that the opening statements they submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are reminded 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Ó hÓbáin to proceed with his presentation. For fear that the officials did not hear, I ask that they speak into the microphones. We have experienced an issue in this regard.