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

The format of the meeting is that I will invite the Commissioner to make an opening statement which will be followed by a question-and-answer session. It is a "catch-your-eye" situation with members. We agreed earlier that members will ask three questions initially and that I will then move on to somebody else. It is a question-answer-question-answer system. I ask members not to make speeches. We keep those for the Dáil and Seanad.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of witnesses to the position regarding to privilege. They should not that by virtue of section 17(2)(I)of the Defamation Act 2009 witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 identifiable. Members should also be aware under the salient ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Commissioner to make her opening statement.