Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for keeping our witnesses so long. We had three sessions this morning. Quite often it does not work that well because people like to talk so I thank our witnesses for their patience. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome the representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, Mr. Liam Doran, Mr. Liam Berney, Mr. Paul Bell and Mr. Eamonn Donnelly.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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. I also wish to advise the witnesses that any opening statements that they have made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

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 will now ask the witnesses to make their opening statement.