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

In our first public session we will have a discussion with the Irish Prison Service in a continuation of a series of hearings on penal reform. The joint committee has identified penal policy and reform as one of its priority issues in its 2017 work programme. I welcome from the Irish Prison Service Mr. Michael Donnellan, director general; Mr. Fergal Black, Mr. Martin Smyth and Ms Ethal Gavin. I also welcome Mr. John McDermott and Mr. Frank Hanlon. On behalf of the committee, I thank them for their attendance to discuss this important issue. The format of the meeting is that the delegates will be invited to make a brief opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session. It is our hope to conduct this engagement within one hour.

I draw attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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.

Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members 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 Mr. Donnellan to make his opening statement.