Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The committee is now in public session. I advise members to switch off their mobile phones.
We will now consider the provisions of the Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 with representatives from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, RPII. I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: Professor William Reville, chairman and Mr. James Fitzmaurice, board member of the RPII. I thank them for their attendance here this afternoon.
I wish to advise the witnesses 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 a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 statement and any other documentation the witnesses provide to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting concludes.
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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
As witnesses are aware the Dáil Select Sub-committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government will take Committee Stage of this Bill next Tuesday. The Bill provides for the dissolution of the RPII and the transfer of its functions, staff and assets to the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. It also provides for the incorporation of the amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material agreed in 2005. Today's meeting is a good opportunity for Members of the Dáil and Seanad to engage with the institute and to hear its expert opinion of the provisions of the Bill prior to its Committee Stage. I now call on the RPII to make its opening statement.