Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions

Ombudsman and Information Commissioner: Discussion with Nominee

4:00 pm

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I remind all those present, including members, media and people in the Gallery, that mobile telephones and BlackBerrys must be turned off completely because they interfere with the sound system, even if they are on silent mode. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Peter Tyndall, nominee for appointment to the position of Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. The format of the meeting is that he will be invited to make a brief opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session with members. I thank him for forwarding his presentation, which has been circulated to members.

Before we commence I must inform Mr. Tyndall 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. If Mr. Tyndall is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and he continues to so do, he is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. He is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, he should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. It sounds quite ominous when read but it is a necessary protocol. I am sure we will be safe enough with Mr. Tyndall. I invite him to make his presentation.

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