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

The purpose of today's meeting is to meet the Competition Authority to discuss its study of competition in the Irish ports sector and how port services might be improved. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Competition Authority Ms Isolde Goggin, chairperson, and Ms Vivienne Ryan, Mr. Ciarán Aylward, Mr. Ciarán Quigley and Mr. David McFadden.
I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the committee. However, 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. I advise that any submissions or opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its 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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Ms Goggin to make her opening remarks.