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

Of course it is disappointing in the context of the importance of the issue.

Before we begin I want to draw the attention of our witnesses to the situation in relation to privilege. Please note that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give 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 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 nor make charges against any person or 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 House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite both Ms Reid and Ms Curley to make opening remarks. Is that the agreed position or will Ms O'Higgins be involved as well? I will leave it open to the witnesses to make any such contribution. This will be followed by a questions and answers session. Would the witnesses like to indicate how they themselves would like to proceed?