Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session again. I welcome Mr. Gavin Sheridan of the website, thestory.ie. Mr. Sheridan will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session. Once again I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off. I advise the witness 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 this committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter to only a qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are 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 House or any official, by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I thank Mr. Sheridan for coming before the committee to assist us in our deliberations and I now invite him to make his opening remarks.