Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Councillor Davitt is to make the opening presentation on behalf of the Association of Irish Local Government. 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.

It is proposed that all opening statements and any other documents the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

After the presentations, I will call members to make their opening remarks and ask questions. Their contributions are to be limited to approximately ten minutes. There are many witnesses in attendance and not everyone will get to speak. If members exceed the time I allow them, it will eat into the remaining time in which witnesses may answer questions. Members should be mindful of this. I will ask whoever is in possession to conclude at the end of each ten-minute slot and then proceed to the next questioner.

This is the last of six meetings the joint committee has planned on the proposal to establish an electoral commission for Ireland. We have heard from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, and also academics, officeholders, representatives of local government, national agencies and bodies, and various experts. During the course of our hearings, numerous witnesses told us there are 31 electoral registers in Ireland and that the absence of a unique identifier, such as the PPS number, is causing considerable difficulties with updating them. This will feature strongly in our deliberations. Today we will have questions on this matter and take into account the views of those involved in elections. We are to produce a report on this in September. The views of analysts and individuals involved in elections are very important to our work on making a proposal for the Minister regarding the electoral commission.

I call the witnesses to make their opening statements, beginning with the Data Protection Commissioner, Ms Helen Dixon.