John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are in public session. I welcome the witnesses, Mr. Dermott Jewell and Mr. Raymond O'Rourke, from the Consumers' Association of Ireland. I remind you that you are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give this committee. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or identifiable. That is a bit of housekeeping. I propose that the witnesses give an opening statement and then members will have some questions. We will take it from there.