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

We resume in public session. 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 or body 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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 issue being discussed today, I ask Members and witnesses to take particular note of the privilege warning.

I welcome Mr. William Devas, director, the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Ms Bernadette Joly, spokesperson for Justice for the Forgotten and the Pat Finucane Centre, and Mr. Brian Gormally, director, Committee on the Administration of Justice, to this meeting to discuss outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting victims and relatives. I understand Ms Joly will make the opening statement and that Mr. Paul O'Connor will answer questions on behalf of the Pat Finucane Centre. I invite Mr. Devas to make his opening statement.