John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are in public session. I welcome the delegation from Microsoft Ireland, Ms Cathriona Hallahan, managing director, Mr. Karl O'Leary, public sector director, and Mr. Niall McDonagh, group manager customer service, to discuss the role and potential of cloud computing in public sector transformation and job creation.

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.

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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before I ask Ms Cathriona Hallahan to make her presentation, I wish to apologise for the delay and thank all the delegates for coming before the joint committee.