Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss what it takes to sustain viable rural communities with representatives of An Garda Síochána. Go raibh maith agaibh as teacht isteach agus tá fáilte mhór romhaibh. I welcome Mr. Jack Nolan, assistant commissioner; Mr. Karl Heller, chief superintendent; Mr. Niall Featherstone, inspector, community engagement and public safety; Mr. Gurchand Singh, head of the Garda Síochána analysis service. Thank you for attending the meeting today.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents witnesses submit to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they 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.

We will now continue our consideration of stream two of our project, céard a theastaíonn a dhéanamh chun pobal tuaithe inmharthana a chaomhnú. In this session we will focus on maintaining a continuous and active Garda Síochána presence in our rural communities. Obviously, if people are to be able to continue to live in rural communities, they must feel safe in those communities. One of the keys to that is a functioning Garda Síochána service. I invite Mr. Nolan to make his presentation.