David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The next part of this meeting is an engagement with representatives of the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Equality Authority on recognition of Traveller ethnicity. Briefings have been circulated to members. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Sinéad Lucey from the Irish Human Rights Commission and Mr. Laurence Bond from the Equality Authority. The format of the meeting will be for both witnesses to make an opening statement and then we will have questions from members. I remind everybody to make sure their mobile telephones are switched off because they interfere with the sound system.

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 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.

Members are reminded that under the salient rulings of the Chair 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 invite Ms Lucey to make her presentation.