John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Sugarman, who is accompanied by Mr. Blaney. They are very welcome. I acknowledge the presence of a Member of the European Parliament, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan, former distinguished Member of the House. I welcome him to the committee meeting along with those in the Visitors Gallery. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones.

I advise witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 the proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the longstanding 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 ask Mr. Sugarman to read his opening statement into the record and then members will ask him questions on the subject matter. I thank Mr. Sugarman for attending today.