John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Bobby O'Connell, General-Secretary, Local Authority Members Association, Mr. Luie McEntire, Vice-President, Association of Irish Local Government and the other attendees.

Do Mr. O'Connell and Mr. McEntire wish to make statements? Yes. I shall read the note on privilege for the benefit of those present.

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 Chairman 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 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, her or it identifiable.

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