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

We will now resume our meeting in public session and deal with the rising cost of motor insurance with the representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association; the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation; the Car Rental Council and the Freight Transport Association Ireland. I welcome all of the witnesses. Each will take five minutes to make an opening statement.

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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair 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.

The running order for the opening statements will be Ms Murphy, Mr. Herron, Mr. Redmond and Mr. McDonnell.