Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We will begin our engagement on the European semester with Ms Michelle Murphy and Mr. Eamon Murphy from Social Justice Ireland. I sincerely apologise that we are running 45 minutes late. I am conscious that Ms Murphy and Mr. Murphy were waiting outside for so long. I humbly apologise on my own behalf and that of committee members. Ms Murphy and Mr. Murphy are very welcome on a day when we are considering the European semester. Committee members were very interested in the annual assessment of Ireland's national reform programme which was sent to us and felt this engagement would be particularly useful. We appreciate Ms Murphy and Mr. Murphy giving of their time in sharing the benefits of their work and assessment.

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.

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. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 or her identifiable.

I ask Ms Murphy to make her opening statement.