Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I advise the witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise the witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Today we have updates from the Department of Social Protection on the JobsPlus and Gateway initiatives and, separately, on the mortgage interest supplement scheme. Today's witnesses are Ms Helen Faughnan, Mr. T.J. Fleming, Ms Jackie Harrington and Ms Fiona Ward.