Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Committee on Housing and Homelessness
Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation
10:30 am
John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source
Before we recommence I remind colleagues to either switch off their mobile telephones or turn them to flight mode.
I must read a note on privilege. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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. The opening statements will be published on the committee website after this meeting. 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 outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I welcome the Irish Mortgage Holders Association, which is represented today by Mr. David Hall and Mr. Stephen Curtis. The witnesses' documentation has been received and, as already stated, will be published on the website. I invite Mr. Hall to make an opening statement after which I will allow members to ask a number of questions.
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