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

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with Mountain Rescue Ireland in respect of the difficulties faced by mountain rescue teams in carrying out their functions. I welcome Mr. Alan Carr, team leader at Galway Mountain Rescue; Mr. Christopher England, team leader at Dublin-Wicklow Mountain Rescue; Mr. Gerry Christie, training officer at Kerry Mountain Rescue and public relations officer at Mountain Rescue Ireland, and Mr. David Goddard, of Mourne Mountain Rescue and secretary of Mountain Rescue Ireland.
I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I call on Mr. Christie to make the opening presentation on behalf of Mountain Rescue Ireland.