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

I again thank Professor O'Neill for his written submission, which is very helpful, his very thoughtful contribution this morning and the responses to our members' questions. We will take a brief moment while he takes his leave to prepare for our second engagement with Dr. Louise Campbell of the National University of Ireland, Galway. We will not suspend the meeting because all our guests are in the Visitors Gallery.

I welcome Dr. Louise Campbell of NUI Galway and, on behalf of the committee, I thank her not only for her attendance, but also for the written submission she provided to us in advance of the meeting. She probably picked up on the format of the meeting by observing the earlier session with Professor O'Neill. She will be invited to make an opening statement, which will be followed by a questions-and-answers session.

As with all our guests, I must caution Dr. Campbell on privilege before we begin. I draw her attention to the fact that she is protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence she is to give to the committee. However, if she is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and she continues to do so, she is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of her evidence. She is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and she is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, she 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 already on notice regarding their conduct in their engagement.

I now invite Dr. Campbell to make her opening statement.