Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will now consider the EU (Construction Products) Regulations 2013, SI 225 of 2013, and their implications for the standards of construction products being placed on the market in Ireland. Cuirim fáilte roimh Ms Sarah Neary, senior adviser; Mr. Aidan O'Connor, principal adviser; Mr. John Wickham, building adviser; and Mr. Paris Beausang, higher executive officer, who are present on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Gabhaim buíochas leo as bheith i láthair. I 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 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. The opening statement and any other document submitted by the delegates to the committee may be published on its website after the 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, persons or an entity in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

We agreed to consider this issue further as a result of correspondence, dated 4 October, received from Mr. O'Connor. Accordingly, we are anxious to hear and consider how the regulations will be transposed into Irish law and their practical consequences in this country.