Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Lorcan O'Connor, director of the Insolvency Service of Ireland. The format of the meeting will be that Mr. O'Connor will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session. I remind members, delegates and those in the gallery that mobile phones must be switched off, particularly in this room where the phone signal is very pronounced as opposed to the other committee rooms.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they will be entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand this is the first time Mr. O'Connor and the Insolvency Service of Ireland have had a public engagement, although I know Mr. O'Connor has been speaking at a series of seminars and conferences across the country, promoting and explaining what the Insolvency Service of Ireland will be doing. I particularly welcome Mr. O'Connor in his official capacity as head of the service and invite him to make his opening comments.