Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to hear a summary from the Secretary General on EU matters in the Department, so that the committee can gain an insight into overall developments in EU legislation.

On behalf of the committee, I wish to welcome Mr. Tom O'Mahony, Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and his officials. I wish to draw their attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009 witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now call on Mr. Tom O'Mahony to make his opening remarks.