Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Healy-Rae. The format of the meeting is that we will hear brief opening remarks from Mr. Timmermans before going into a question and answer session with the members of both committees. I will call members in the order in which they indicated.

Like any meeting , there are some housekeeping matters and formalities. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording and broadcast equipment in the committee room even on silent mode. Today's meeting is also being broadcast live on Oireachtas TV and across the various media platforms.

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.

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. If, however, they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the First Vice-President to make his opening remarks. For his information, his opening statement will be published on the committee website following this meeting.