Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would have been helpful if the joint committee had been notified in advance of Mr. O'Connor's absence.

I draw 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 continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 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, 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 outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind witnesses that presentations should not be any more than five minutes' duration as a number of guests are scheduled to present today. Members have been circulated copies of the presentation. I invite Mr. Jimmy Kelly to make the first presentation on behalf of the Unite trade union.