Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today we will have two sessions, the first with the noted economics lecturer from University College Cork, Mr. Seamus Coffey, who has previously appeared before the joint committee. He will talk to us about the EU country-specific recommendations 2015 for Ireland. He will be with us for about 25 minutes and at approximately 2 p.m. the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Dara Murphy, will attend to tell us about the Government's planned responses to the country specific recommendations. We will also ask him about the migration crisis in the Mediterranean and for his views on what is happening in Greece.

I welcome Mr. Coffey. As many will be aware, he has been before the committee on a number of occasions to help us on a range of economic matters concerning Ireland and the European Union. It is always good to see him back to get his perspective of the economic climate.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not make charges against, criticise or comment on a person outside the Houses 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 the evidence they give to the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I welcome our guests in the Visitors Gallery. As the meeting is being broadcast, it is very important that mobiles phones are switched off. They must not be left in silent mode, as even in that mode they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings.

I would appreciate it if they could respect that request.