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

The purpose of today's engagement is to meet representatives of An Garda Síochána to discuss a range of issues, including the recent Crowe Horwath report commissioned by the Policing Authority on matters relating to mandatory breath testing and the issuing of summonses by An Garda Síochána, and other matters as we have flagged. I welcome the deputy commissioner, Mr. John Twomey, who is joined by Mr. Michael Culhane, executive director of finance and services; Mr. John O'Driscoll, assistant commissioner responsible for special crime operations; Mr. Joseph Nugent, chief administrative officer; Mr. Michael Finn, assistant commissioner responsible for roads, policing and major event management; and Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, assistant commissioner responsible for security and intelligence. They are accompanied by Superintendent John Ferris of the Garda press office; Superintendent Marie Broderick of the Office of the Commissioner; Inspector Darren McCarthy of the Office of the Commissioner; and Ms Kate Mulkerins, executive director for legal and compliance. I may have called out one person who is in the Visitors Gallery. Mr. Twomey will be invited to make an opening statement to be followed by a questions and answers session.

As the witnesses will know from experience, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the chair they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite the deputy commissioner, Mr. Twomey, to make his opening statement.