Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, guests and observers that their mobile phones must be switched off. It is not sufficient to leave them in silent mode, as they may interfere with the broadcasting equipment. We have received apologies for his absence from Deputy Seán Crowe.
There are two items for discussion on the agenda. First, the joint committee will hear an update on the rule of law in the European Union, about which a number of guests will talk. Second, we will continue our consideration of the Europe 2020 strategy.
I am delighted to welcome Mr. John Devitt from Transparency International Ireland and Dr. Miklós Ligeti from Transparency International Hungary. As members will recall, we are examining the issue of the rule of law which is a fundamental pillar of the European Union. We held a number of hearings on this topic during the summer and are keen to receive a briefing from Transparency International on its views of the rule of law throughout the Union.
I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way that he or she is identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I invite Mr. Devitt to address the committee.