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

I welcome Ms Dorothea Dowling, formerly of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, and Mr. Ciaran Phelan and Mr. Paul Carty from the Irish Brokers Association. We look forward to their contributions. As agreed previously, the witnesses will make a five-minute opening statement after which members will interact with them for questions and clarifications. I advise the witnesses 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.

I invite Ms Dowling and Mr. Phelan to make their opening remarks. They may toss a coin. I suggest ladies first.