Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to welcome Mr. Olusola Iginla, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nigeria, to the meeting. The committee has discussed the report provided by the Church in Chains. I also extend a warm welcome to the embassy official who has accompanied the chargé d'affaires and to those seated in the public Gallery.

Today's meeting affords the members of the committee an opportunity to receive an update on certain matters which were addressed to the committee earlier this year, in particular the presentation by Church in Chains. The format of today's meeting will involve an opening statement by the chargé d'affaires which will be followed by a question and answer session with members of the committee.

I remind members and those in the pubic Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are completely switched off for the duration of the meeting as they do cause interference, even in silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee room.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l)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 Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 or it identifiable.

I welcome Mr. Iginla again and we are delighted to have him here. I call on him to make his opening statement.