Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I thank Dr. Morrow for coming. We appreciate him being with us and look forward to hearing from him. We will hear his opening statement which will be followed by questions and answers.

Members, guests and anyone in the Visitors Gallery should please ensure their mobile phones and tablets are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference with the recording equipment, even if left in silent mode.

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 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.

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.

I again welcome Dr. Morrow. We look forward to hearing his opening statement.