Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have been trying to have the level of heating reduced. For a change, the heat is not generated by heavy debate.

We will continue our discussion on the wards of court system with the witnesses from the Courts Service. I welcome Ms Geraldine Hurley, head of superior courts operations directorate.

She is accompanied by Mr. Seán Quigley, head of resource management and accountant of the Courts of Justice, and Mr. James Finn, registrar for wards of court. They are joined in the Public Gallery by Ms Marie Ryan. We are also joined by two officials from the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr. Conan McKenna, assistant secretary, and Ms Yvonne Walsh, assistant principal officer, who can deal with any issues within the remit of the Department.

The format of the meeting, as I indicated to our first set of witnesses, is that witnesses will be invited to make an opening statement. I understand that Ms Geraldine Hurley will be making that on behalf of the Courts Service. This will be followed by a questions and answers session.

I draw witnesses' attention to the situation relating to privilege. 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 do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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.

Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members 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 invite Ms Hurley to make her opening statement.