Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again apologise to those who did not get in this morning. For the sake of fairness I will endeavour to call people who have not yet spoken in the committee hearings, be they members or non-members of the committee. I know a number of members were disappointed that they did not get in and I apologise to them for that.

I welcome most sincerely to our hearings this afternoon Dr. Jacqueline Montwill, Dr. Bernie McCabe, Professor Kevin Malone and Dr. Seán Ó Domhnaill. I thank them for coming here and assisting us. As I said to the witnesses this morning and on Friday, they are coming here voluntarily to give of their time to assist us, which we appreciate. I hope members respect that the witnesses have come here as experts to assist us.

Before beginning I remind members and witnesses that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, 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. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the 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 parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against either a person or persons outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Professor Malone to make his opening remarks. There are 50 minutes for all the witnesses to speak and they may split it 12 minutes each to be fair to the witnesses.