Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask members to switch off their mobile telephones. I appreciate that the change to the scheduled time for this meeting has affected members' plans. With the agreement of members, we will first discuss with the chairmen designate of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and Drogheda Port Authority their intended roles and meet in private session thereafter.

I welcome Dr. Declan Bedford, chairman designate of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. I know Dr. Bedford in a previous capacity when we were both members of the North Eastern Health Board. Dr. Bedford was a man of great repute and an important member of the board who, in addition to having an interest in health matters generally, was also interested in public health, particularly alcohol and public health.

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 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Dr. Bedford to make his opening statement.