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

We are here to discuss the reform of local government. I welcome Councillor Peter McVitty, president, Councillor Michael O’Brien, vice president, Councillor Hilary Quinlan, immediate past president, Councillor Pádraig McNally, and Mr. Liam Kenny, director, of the Association of County and City Councils. Thank you for your attendance here today.

I wish to draw your 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 you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you 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 you that the opening statement and any other documents you have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee 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 outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Councillor McVitty to address the committee.