Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 25 January 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services

Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and Mr. Séamas Ó Tuathail, SC

1:30 pm

Photo of Pádraig Ó CéidighPádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the 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.

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, witnesses and those in the Gallery are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device used, and not left in silent mode.

To commence our discussion on public ownership of the public water system, I welcome Mr. Séamas Ó Tuathail, Senior Counsel, and Ms Treasa Brannick O'Cillín. I also welcome Ms Maria Graham, Mr. Colm Lavery and Mr. Stephen Dineen from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

Anois ba mhaith liom cuireadh a thabhairt don Uasal Ó Tuathail a chur i láthair a dhéanamh. He is very welcome.

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