Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fourth set of delegates to address the joint committee today. From the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, I welcome Dr. Brian Motherway, chief executive officer, Mr. Matthew Kennedy and Mr. James Scheer. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege. They are directed to restrict their evidence to the subject matter of these proceedings and respect parliamentary practice by not criticising or making charges against a person, persons or an entity. They are asked to read the document circulated to them on privilege. I remind them not to read their opening statement as it has been circulated to members and we will take it as read.