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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to engage with Mr. Anthony H. Ensor, chairman designate of the Property Services Appeals Board. On behalf of the joint committee, I thank him for his attendance. The format is that Mr. Ensor will be invited to make a brief opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session.

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 they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 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 should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Ensor to make his opening statement.