Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The second witness to address the committee today is Mr. Conor Linehan, head of environment and planning group on behalf of William Fry. Before he commences I remind him 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 a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence.

Witnesses are directed to restrict their evidence to the subject matter of these proceedings and to respect parliamentary practice by not criticising or making charges against any person, persons or entity. Witnesses are asked to read the document that has been circulated to them concerning privilege. I remind Mr. Linehan not to read out the opening statement, which has been circulated to members and we can take it as being read. Mr. Linehan has a maximum of five minutes in which to deliver his opening statement and when he reaches this time, I will insist that he stops. However, I will intervene when one minute remains to Mr. Linehan to advise him of that. I invite him to make his address.