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

I draw the attention of members and witnesses to housekeeping notices. I ask members and witnesses to switch their mobile phones off or to flight mode as they cause interference not only during, but in the recording and broadcasting of, our proceedings. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the 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. Ashley Balbirnie and Mr. Mike Allen, the representatives of Focus Ireland. Their submission has been circulated to members and will be published on the committee's website afterwards. I invite Mr. Balbirnie to make his opening statement and I will then open the meeting to colleagues for questions.