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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to receive a briefing from the Churchfield Community Trust on the work it is undertaking. I understand briefing materials have been circulated to members. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Eileen O'Brien, project director, Mr. Paul O'Donnell, deputy project director, and Sr. Jo McCarthy, board member. I thank the witnesses for giving their time and expertise. The format is that I will invite our guests to make a brief opening statement lasting approximately five minutes, after which we will have a question-and-answer session with members.

I draw the witnesses' attention 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 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.