Chairman:

I welcome Mr. Patrick O'Connor. I also welcome Deputies Colm Brophy, Jack Chambers and Jim O'Callaghan, who are in attendance. I would like especially to thank Senator Colette Kelleher, who has facilitated the committee in getting this meeting under way this morning. I thank her most sincerely for that. Apologies have been received from Deputy Clare Daly and Senators Martin Conway, Lorraine Clifford-Lee and Niall Ó Donnghaile. The purpose of this part of our meeting is to have an engagement with Mr. Patrick O'Connor, who is the chairperson designate of the Charity Appeals Tribunal. On behalf of the joint committee, I thank Mr. O'Connor and his officials, Ms Jillian O'Keeffe, Ms Gráinne Whelan and Ms Bridget Canning, for being here with us today. They are very welcome. Mr. O'Connor will be invited to make a brief opening statement, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Before Mr. O'Connor gets under way, I have to read a caution into the record to draw his attention to the situation regarding privilege. I ask him to note that he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence he is to give to this committee.

However, if he is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter and continues to do so, he is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, he 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 should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Connor to make his opening statement.