John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this session is to meet with the Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Mark Griffin, to discuss the six-monthly reports on EU legislative proposals for 2012 and the main policy developments that took place during the Irish Presidency. I welcome Mr. Griffin, who I understand has recently replaced Mr. Aidan Dunning as Secretary General, and Mr. Griffin's colleagues, Mr. Ken Spratt, Mr. Dave Hanley, Mr. Martin Finnucane and Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin. On behalf of the committee, I congratulate Mr. Griffin on his appointment and wish him well in his new position.

I draw the witnesses' 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 respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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 also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call Mr. Griffin to make his opening remarks.