Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will continue our consideration of the topic, developing a plan to capture the full value of our genealogical heritage with our second group of representatives. I welcome Mr. John Slyne, Mr. Eric Booth, Mr. Brad Argent and Ms Rhona Murray of Ancestry.com; Ms Annelies van den Belt, chief executive; Mr. David Thomson, chief operating officer; Mr. Brian Donovan, director, Brightsolid Online Publishing, on behalf of DC Thomson Family History; Mr. Steven Smyrl, Mr. Colm Cochrane, Mr. Richard Flatman, Ms Ann Robinson, Ms Rosaleen Underwood and Ms Linda Clayton from the Council of Irish Genealogical Associations. I thank all of them for their attendance. I propose that we hear from them in the order in which I introduced them. Is that agreed? Agreed.

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. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 a 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also advise that opening statements and any other document representatives have submitted to the committee may be published on its website afte this meeting. I call on Mr. Slyne to address the committee.