Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session. I remind members, witnesses and persons present to make sure their mobile phones are turned off. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the collapse of the Pilot Training College of Ireland.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome Mr. Brian Kealy and Ms Martina Kealy, the co-ordinators of the Pilot Training College Action Group. Mr. Kealy will outline the background to the collapse of the college in 2012, the effect of the collapse on its students and developments since that time.