Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Matt Staunton and Mr. Johnny Fox from IMPACT. I apologise to the committee on behalf of the Chairman who is on business abroad.

Before beginning I wish to draw to attention that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. 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 only to a 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 any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind Members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Matt Staunton to make his opening statement. This meeting is part of the ongoing process of recent weeks regarding submissions in respect of the proposed sale of Coillte's timber harvesting rights.