Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today, we are to conclude our consideration of the five presidents' report, Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union. We are joined by two very distinguished guests, Mr. Michael Tutty and Mr. Alan Dukes, from the Institute of International and European Affairs, IIEA. They are both very welcome. The IIEA has published its views on the report and today our witnesses will explain the institute's reaction to it. We are very interested in hearing what they have to say.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against an individual or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it 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 to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that 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 invite Mr. Tutty to speak on behalf of the IIEA, after which we will have a chance to question both witnesses.