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

We continue our discussion on the outline heads of the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill. I welcome from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Ms Lorraine O'Donoghue, principal officer in the marine planning and foreshore section; Ms Marian O'Driscoll, assistant principal officer in the planning section; and Mr. Aidan Brennan, assistant principal officer in the water quality section. I also welcome from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Ms Bernie Comey, assistant principal officer in the electricity and gas regulation division. I thank all the witnesses for their attendance.

While I know the witnesses are well acquainted with the procedure in terms of defamation, I will read it out for the record. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If witnesses are asked to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 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. The witnesses' opening statement and any accompanying documentation they submit to us may be published on the 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 any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Ms O'Donoghue.