John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In this session we will have a discussion with Ms Ann Riordan, chairperson designate, Science Foundation Ireland, who is accompanied by Mr. Donal Keane, chief operations officer and secretary to the board. I also welcome Mr. Brian Dalton, assistant principal officer, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

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 joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Riordan to make her opening remarks.