Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will resume in public session. I welcome our second panel of stakeholders from the Simon Community, Mr. Eamonn Tansey, from the Peter McVerry Trust, Mr. Francis Doherty and from Focus Ireland, Mr. Mike Allen and Ms Alison Connolly.

I draw witnesses' attention to the fact 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 on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 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 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 now call on Mr. Allen to make his opening statement.