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

The next item on the agenda is a meeting with representatives of Volkswagen Group Ireland and The Society of the Irish Motor Industry, SIMI. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with Volkswagen Group Ireland in respect of the discovery in the US of software being used by Volkswagen which gave rise to incorrect emissions readings, the likely implications for Irish motorists and what the company is doing to remedy the situation. SIMI is also in attendance to provide its views on the matter and the implications for the wider Irish motoring public. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from Volkswagen Group Ireland Mr. Lars Himmer, managing director, Mr. Patrick Comyn and Mr. Paul Burke. I also welcome from SIMI Mr. Alan Nolan, director general, Mr. Brian Cooke and Mr. Tom Cullen.

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. I also advise witnesses that submissions or opening statements they have submitted to the committee will published on the committee's 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Himmer to give his opening statement.