John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the slight delay and for keeping the witnesses outside. I welcome Mr. Simon McGarr, Mr. Liam Herrick and Dr. Maeve O'Rourke of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, ICCL.

Before I ask the witnesses to make their opening remarks, I draw their 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence regarding a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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.

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. Those with mobile phones should turn them off or set them to flight mode. It does not just interfere with the meeting but also with recording it. I will ask for opening statements from both parties and then members of the committee will have an opportunity to ask a number of questions.

I invite Mr. Herrick or Dr. O'Rouke, or both - they may share time - to make an opening statement.