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

Good morning. I welcome Mr. Bob Jordan of Threshold.

I draw the witness's attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2008, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so 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 submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 Mr. Bob Jordan of Threshold to this morning's meeting. I ask him to summarise Threshold's full submission, which has been made available to the members of the committee. I am sure they will have a number of questions after he has concluded.