Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In this part of the meeting we will have a discussion on the Defence Forces strategy statement for the period 2017 to 2020 with Mr. Maurice Quinn, Secretary General of the Department of Defence, who is accompanied by Mr. Des Dowling and Mr. Cathal Duffy. They are all very welcome. Committee members welcome the opportunity to discuss the development of the Department's strategy and other relevant matters. We will hear the opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session with members.

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery of the need to ensure mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even when left in silent mode, with the recording equipment.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or a body outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I call on Mr. Quinn to make his opening statement.