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

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Joanna Joyce and Fr. Gerry McFlynn to this meeting. I thank them for their attendance and for giving of their time. I ask everybody to turn off their mobile phones, completely, totally and utterly because they interfere with the sound system. I have received complaints from broadcasters who wished to hear what a member had sought to say but found the member's phone was interfering with the sound system and as a result, were unable to broadcast the member's comments on the day, which was terrible for the member.

Before we begin, I wish to draw the attention of all witnesses to the situation regarding privilege. I ask them to note they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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 invite Ms Joyce to make an opening statement.