Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw attention 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 advise that any submission or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I also remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them onto airplane mode as they interfere with our sound system.

I welcome all our witnesses today. I propose that the main witnesses speak for five minutes each. I will indicate after four minutes to signal that they have a minute remaining. I know some people are sharing time, so I can give an indication within that five minutes of a minute and a half remaining or I can come in at the last minute to let everyone know there is a minute left.

I invite Deputy Eamon Ryan, who is the sponsor of the Bill, to give a brief statement on the Bill. He has five minutes.