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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Anne Ferris and Senators Ivana Bacik and Tony Mulcahy. The purpose of the meeting is to engage with members of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association. A briefing has been circulated to members. I welcome Mr. Patrick Mulley, Mr. Neil Richardson, Mr. Martin Cooney, Mr. Eoin Colgan, Mr. James Scanlon and Mr. Rob Gilbey to the meeting. The format is that I will invite them to make some brief opening remarks to highlight the key points, which will be followed by a question and answer session with members.
I draw attention of all witnesses to the situation in relation to privilege. 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. If they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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.
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 or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Mr. Mulley to lead off the presentation.