Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and the people in the Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when they are on silent mode.

I welcome Mr. Tom Coughlan, who is the chairperson designate of the Health and Safety Authority. Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to state 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 this committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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. They asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Coughlan to make his opening remarks to the committee.