Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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. 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. Given the sensitivities of the issues to be discussed today, I ask the members and witnesses to take special consideration of what I have just said regarding privilege.

I am very pleased to welcome Mr. John Teggart, spokesperson for the Ballymurphy Massacre families committee, Mr. John Kelly, spokesperson for Bloody Sunday families, and Ms Amanda Fullerton, spokesperson, Mr. Eddie Fullerton, family representative, and Mr. Austin Stack, spokesperson, from the Independent Victims and Survivors Coalition, here to discuss outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting victims and relatives. I invite Mr. Teggart to make his opening statement, followed by representatives in chronological order, as per the circulated meeting schedule. Members can then ask questions.