Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with representatives from Nightline in regard to the new postcode system, Eircode.On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. John Tuohy, chief executive of Nightline, which is Ireland's largest independent logistics company, and Mr. Kevin Murray, managing director of Nightline.
I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that 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. I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statement they make to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Mr. Tuohy to make his opening statement.