John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind everyone to turn off their mobile phones. Apologies have been received from Deputies Michael Moynihan, Patrick O'Donovan and Seán Kenny and Senator Ned O'Sullivan.

Today's agenda is a meeting with Mr. Gary Delaney of Loc8 regarding Eircode. The purpose this afternoon's meeting is to engage with Mr. Delaney who is anxious that the committee would hear his views on certain elements of the new postcode system. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Gary Delaney of Loc8 Code. Committee members have already received his presentation.

As we have to conclude our meeting by 2 p.m., I ask that Mr. Delaney confines his presentation to a maximum of ten minutes to allow time for engagement with the committee members.

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. Any statements witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee 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 a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Delaney to make his presentation.