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

I welcome Ms Rose Hynes, chairman of the newly formed Shannon Airport Authority. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the approach she will take in her new role and the challenges facing the authority. Members will be aware of the Government’s decision in May 2011 to put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairman to hear her views and trusts this will provide for greater transparency in the process of making appointments to State boards and bodies.

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.