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

We will now consider the outline heads of the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2013. I welcome the witnesses from An Bord Pleanála: Ms Mary Kelly, chairperson, Mr. Des Johnson, director of planning, and Mr. Gerald Egan, director of corporate affairs. I thank them for attending.

I wish to draw 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 in relation to a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents witnesses 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 Ms Kelly to address the committee.