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

Táimid ar ais i seisiún poiblí. The next witness who is in attendance as part of our consideration of the outline heads of the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2013 is Dr. Liam Lysaght, who is the director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre. I thank him for being in attendance this afternoon.

I would like to draw his 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. If they are directed by the committee at any stage to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are 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. I advise Dr. Lysaght that his opening statement or any other documentation he has supplied to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this 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 Dr. Lysaght to address the committee.