Pádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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 a 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 or make charges against any person, persons or 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 the committee's 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.

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

In the first part of our meeting today we will consider the issues of equity and fairness and in the second we will deal with conservation measures. I welcome Professor Tom Collins, Ms Mindy O'Brien, Mr. David Wright and Ms Suzanne Linnane from the Public Water Forum. From the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, I welcome Ms Maria Graham.

I am taking it that members have read the presentation of witnesses from the Public Water Forum and I am going straight to discussions.