Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Tá fáilte roimh gach aon duine anseo. Tá beirt comhalta - Teachta Dála amháin agus Seanadóir amháin - i láthair. Is féidir linn tosnú leis an gcruinniú. Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an gCoimisinéir Teanga ón mBreatain Bheag. I welcome Ms Meri Huws. I also acknowledge that we had a wonderful trip to Wales which was both constructive and productive. We learned that there were many similarities between Ireland and Wales. In some ways, I wondered why we had not been more conscious of this heretofore. The country has so many things like our own, the language Act, for instance, and one mirrors the other. I am not sure in which direction, but they are very much alike. Wales has a language commissioner and also its own Welsh language television channel. It is to be hoped that from this debate we will find ways and means to progress co-operation between the two countries.
I also welcome Mr. Julian de Spáinn and Mr. Cuan Ó Seireadáin from Conradh na Gaeilge. It is always nice to have them here. They are probably very much up to date on the position in Wales. Perhaps, however, we might find other ways of working together. There has to be an echo in terms of the absence of a language Act in Northern Ireland, but the similarities should help us.
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 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 also advise that the opening statement and any other document submitted to the committee may be published on its 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 an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask the commissioner to address the committee.