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

We are now in public session. I welcome Mr. Jack Keyes, chairman designate of the Pyrite Resolution Board. The purpose of this morning's session is to engage with him on his strategic priorities for the role and his views of the challenges currently facing the board. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet with the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views. We trust this serves to provide greater transparency to the process of appointments to our State boards and bodies.

I draw the attention of the witness 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 call on Mr. Keyes to make his opening statement.