Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome, from the Office of Public Works, Ms Clare McGrath, chairperson, Mr. Brian Allen, principal officer, and Mr. Jim O'Sullivan, chief engineer. 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are 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 or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I ask Ms McGrath to brief the joint committee on the eligibility of small firms in tendering for capital projects and other issues related to the Office of Public Works.