Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I congratulate the outgoing Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, who has been elected today as the European Ombudsman. It is a reflection of her professionalism, integrity and hard work in the role here in Ireland. We can be proud that the vote today is not only a endorsement of Ms Emily O'Reilly but an endorsement of the ombudsman system here. May it go from strength to strength.

I welcome the members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, Commissioner Simon O'Brien, chairperson, Commissioner Kieran FitzGerald and Commissioner Carmel Foley who are accompanied by Mr. Graham Doyle, acting head of communications and research Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the special report by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to the Minister for Justice and Equality issued pursuant to section 80(5) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 in respect of issues concerning informant handling and issues arising from the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Annual Report 2012.

I remind everyone to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode.

Before commencing I remind witnesses of the position on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled, thereafter, only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They 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 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 or long-standing rule of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Commissioner Simon O'Brien to make his opening statement.