David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to have a discussion on the feasibility of the introduction of a community courts system. Members will recall that the committee invited written submissions on this topic. The format of the meeting is that each group will be invited to make an opening statement which will be followed by questions from members. I welcome the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the first citizen of Dublin, and thank him for his attendance. I am also very pleased to welcome Mr. Julius Lang from the Center for Court Innovation in New York who has come a long way to be with us today. I thank him for his attendance. I welcome Mr. Philip Bowen from the UK Centre for Justice Innovation; Mr. Justice Michael Reilly who chaired a committee on this topic a number of years ago; Mr. David Brennan, Dublin City Business Association; Mr. Tony McGillicuddy from the Bar Council of Ireland; Mr. Ken Murphy, an old friend of ours, from the Law Society of Ireland; and Ms Maura Butler, chairperson of the Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development, ACJRD. I expect the Minister to arrive shortly, as he wishes to listen to the proceedings.
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 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I ask that all mobile phones be switched off completely, as they interfere with the sound system. I invite Mr. Lang to make his opening statement.