Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Sean Sherlock. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as they cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

This is session A on the rising cost of motor insurance. We will meet representatives of the Injuries Board and the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. I welcome Mr. Conor O'Brien, Mr. Stephen Watkins and Mr. Maurice Priestley from the Injuries Board and Mr. Gary Dunne and Mr. Ronan Mulligan from the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. The witnesses from each organisation will make opening remarks for five minutes and we will then have a question and answer session involving members.

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.