Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this part of this afternoon's session is to engage with the chairperson designate of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, Mr. John Horan, to discuss his strategic priorities for the role and his views on the challenges currently facing the NTPF. On behalf of the committee, I welcome him and thank him for coming. I wish to draw his attention 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 this committee. However, if he is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and he continues to do so, he is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given, and he is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible he should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statement that is made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against the person or persons outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.