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

We will continue our discussion on the outline heads of the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill 2013. I welcome Ms Helen Gelletlie and Ms Valerie Freeman on behalf of the Coastal Concern Alliance and thank them for their attendance.

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. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they 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. There is also a parliamentary practice of which colleagues are well aware which is that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Helen Gelletlie to address the committee.