Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The joint committee is meeting in public session to continue its public consultation on the draft heads of the freedom of information (amendment) Bill 2012. I welcome Mr. Carl O'Brien of The Irish Times, Ms Dearbhail McDonald of Irish Independent, Mr. Frank Cullen, director of National Newspapers of Ireland, and Mr. Mark Tighe of The Sunday Times. The format of the meeting will be as follows. Mr. Cullen will make some opening remarks and these will be followed by a question and answer session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off.

I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of evidence given to the 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Due to the events of last night, we have a sparse attendance this morning. The Seanad sat until 6 o'clock and the Dáil sat until 3 o'clock this morning. I hope Mr. Cullen will see members straggle in during his presentation or at least in time for the question and answer session.

I thank the NNI for its submission to the committee and I call Mr. Cullen to make his presentation.