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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with representatives of Samaritans Ireland and the Telecommunications and Internet Federation on the free-to-caller helpline 116 123. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Gillian Leo, Ms Catherine Brogan and Mr. Ciaran Moore from Samaritans Ireland and Mr. Torlach Denihan and Mr. Pat Galvin from the Telecommunications and Internet Federation.

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 Chairman 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 by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise delegates that any submission or opening statement they have made to the committee will be published on its 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Ms Leo and Ms Brogan to make their opening statements on behalf of Samaritans Ireland.