Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are resumed in public session. The second of our two scheduled engagements today on the very important issue of the recognition of Traveller ethnicity is a discussion with Dr. Robbie McVeigh. I advise him that the committee has identified the recognition of Traveller ethnicity as one of its priority issues in 2016 work programme. I welcome Dr. McVeigh to the meeting. I understand he has travelled a distance to come here and he has a very tight schedule this morning. We very much appreciate his taking the time to come before us.

The format of the meeting is that he will be invited to make a brief opening statement and that will be followed by a questions-and-answers session. I must advise him on the matter of privilege. I ask him to note he is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence he gives to this committee. However, if he is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and he continues to so do, he is entitled thereafter only to 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 is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, he should not criticise nor 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 again reminded that under the salient rulings of the Chair 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.

I invite Dr. Robbie McVeigh to make his opening statement.