Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from the Chairman, Deputy Seán Crowe, who is away on official business this week. It would be remiss of me if I did not welcome everyone to the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement for 2018. We resume our important discussions on legacy issues.

Today we will hear from the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains about its important work on behalf of the families of the disappeared. I thank the witnesses sincerely for their attendance today. I welcome Mr. Frank Murray, co-commissioner, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, co-commissioner, and Mr. Geoff Knupfer, senior investigator. We invite all three of the witnesses to make their opening statements. Questions from the committee will follow.

Unfortunately, as always, there is a wee bit of housekeeping. It requires me to read a number of notices. I remind members, guests and those in the Public Gallery to please ensure their mobile phones or tablets are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting, as they cause interference with the recording equipment in these rooms even when they are in silent mode.

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 or body outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 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 invite the witnesses to make their submissions, after which we will take questions from members.