Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with broadcasting equipment, even when in silent mode.
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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or 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 members 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.
With the formalities out of the way, on behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Chris Hoey, Ms Dolores Murphy, Mr. Vijoy Chakraborty and Ms Bridget Boyle to the meeting and I ask them to make their opening statements.