John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly and his colleagues. I thank them for attending. The committee felt it was important that the Minister's appearance would be at the front end of the committee work. Before the Minister delivers his opening statement, I draw his attention to the fact that 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 they 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 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the longstanding practice to the effect that 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. The Minister, Deputy Kelly, is very welcome. His opening statement has been circulated and will be published, if that is okay with him. In his opening comments, he can address the statement in full or as he sees fit.