Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is our second session. We will hear a presentation from representatives of the Law Reform Commission. I welcome Mr. Justice John Quirke, president of the Law Reform Commission, Mr. Ray Byrne, commissioner, Professor Donncha O'Connell, commissioner, and Professor Ciarán Burke, director of research. I thank them for joining us this morning.

Before we continue, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the 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 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 would like to advise the witnesses that their submission, or the opening statement made to the committee, will be published on the committee website after this meeting. The witnesses will make a short presentation followed by questions from the members of the committee. I ask Mr. Justice Quirke to make his opening submission.