David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to be briefed on the background of the Civil Defence, its role today and the future thereof. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the Civil Defence Board, Mr. Brian Spain, chairman, Mr. Bill Smith, director general and Ms Róisín McGuire, head of training. I thank them for their attendance.
I ask everyone to turn off their mobile telephones completely. Silent mode is not sufficient, as the telephone signals interfere with the sound recording system.

By virtue of section 17(2)(i) 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 the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are also directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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 now invite Mr. Spain to make the opening remarks.