Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Deputy.

For the second session today we are joined by Sir Bill Cash, MP, who is Chair of the House of Commons EU Scrutiny Committee. As members know, this committee is holding a series of meetings to examine the impact on Ireland should the UK decide to withdraw from the EU. A referendum on this question has been promised by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, MP, if he is returned to power following the general election in May. This committee took the decision to examine this matter at this time in view of the potential impact it could have on Ireland.

Before we begin, I remind members 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.

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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence associated with today's proceedings is to be given. They are 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.

I expect that Sir Bill Cash has something similar in the House of Commons that he has to say at the beginning of every meeting.