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

If members or witnesses have a mobile phone or 3G or 4G device, it should be either switched off or put into flight mode. Apart from disrupting the meeting, the signal may interfere with the broadcast signal.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 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 statement submitted by the witnesses 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 am pleased to welcome the representatives from Tiglin Challenge, Mr. Aubrey McCarthy, Mr. Phil Thompson and Mr. Niall Murphy. The full submission has been received and circulated to members. I understand Mr. McCarthy has an opening statement and I will invite colleagues to ask a number of questions arising from that. Mr. McCarthy's colleagues should feel free to enter the discussion at any stage, as they are more than welcome to do so.