Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Mark Fielding from ISME, Ms Patricia Callan and Ms Linda Barry from the Small Firms Association, and Mr. Neil Walker and Dr. Michael Gillen from IBEC to this afternoon's session to discuss the rising costs of motor insurance.

I have a small notice regarding privilege which is a bit like the air hostess notices on aeroplanes. 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.

We will start off with Mr. Fielding. We will hear opening statements from the three organisations and go into a question-and-answer session if that suits.