David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Sheila Willis, director general of Forensic Science Ireland, and her colleague Dr. Seán McDermott. I will invite Dr. Willis to make an opening statement lasting five minutes or so and then we will have a question and answer session.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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 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 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 thank Dr. Willis and her team for allowing us to visit their facility in Phoenix Park a few weeks ago. We were very impressed with the work at the facility and the personnel we met. The facility is another day’s work. Dr. Willis can make her opening statement now and we will have a discussion after that.