Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I understand this meeting is being broadcast on two cable networks. I ask members to switch off their mobile phones because they cause much interference and I will have members of the public emailing to say there is distortion of the sound.

The next item on the agenda is matters relating to the payment of the local property tax for 2014. I welcome from the Revenue Commissioners Ms Josephine Feehily, chairman, Mr. Michael Gladney and Ms Vivienne Dempsey. The format of the meeting will be that Ms Feehily will make some opening remarks which will be followed by a question and answer session. I thank Ms Feehily for coming before the joint committee at such short notice. The invitation only went from the secretariat to her on Monday morning and I certainly appreciate the time she has made available to us. Given the debate we will be having, I also welcome the extension of the deadline to next week.

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 to the matters under discussion should 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Ms Feehily to make her opening remarks.