Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Dr. Lynch intimated to me before the meeting that there was a clash in the schedule and we have facilitated a change, but he will have to leave us at approximately 3.30 p.m. Members have been given a copy of the Minister's speech and the questions for the quarterly meeting have been given out.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and rulings of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin made reference to the Minister's reply to our letter about the Oberstown centre. We will come back to that issue later on as part of our discussion.