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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to facilitate an engagement with representatives of the Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association, RDFRA. We shall discuss with the Reserve Defence Forces how specific elements of the recent White Paper on Defence might be implemented. Members will recall that when the Minister was here recently he recommended that we have an engagement with the RDFRA, which is what we are doing today. We are joined by Mr. Patrick Mulley who is the chairman of RDFRA. He is welcome and I thank him for being here. I also welcome Mr. Neil Richardson, general secretary and Mr. Eddie Mulligan who is a member of the association. The association will be aware of the format as it has been here previously. I invite the delegation to make a formal five minute presentation which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of witnesses to the situation regarding privilege. They should note that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded that under the rulings of the Chair, 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.

I call on Mr. Richardson to make an opening statement.