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

We have no apologies, although I believe Senator Zappone is running late. The purpose of this meeting is to have an engagement with Ms Margaret Taylor, chairperson designate of the Classification of Film Appeals Board. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Taylor and thank her for attending. The format of the meeting will be that she will be invited to make a brief opening statement and there will be a question-and-answer session after that.

Before we begin, I draw Ms Taylor's attention to the position on privilege. She should note that she is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence she gives to the committee. However, if she is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and she continues to so do, she is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of her evidence. She is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and he is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, she should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind Members that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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.