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

I remind members to turn off their mobile phones. No. 7 is the proposed closure of the Clarkstown long wave transmitter 252. The purpose of the discussion is to engage with senior management of RTE on the rationale of the reported closure of the Clarkstown long wave transmitter 252. I welcome Mr. Jim Jennings, managing director of RTE Radio, and his colleagues, Mr. John Paul Coakley and Mr. Tom McGuire.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their 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 or her identifiable. I also advise witnesses that their submissions and opening statements will be published on the committee's website following the meeting.
Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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.