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

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss issues surrounding the recording and classification of Garda homicide figures, including the review being conducted by An Garda Síochána into the classification of homicides and the reasons for the delay in publishing the findings of that review and furnishing a report to the Policing Authority.

I welcome, once again, Assistant Commissioners Michael Finn, Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin, Chief Superintendent Brian Sutton and Dr. Gurchand Singh, head of the Garda analysis service.

At the outset, on my own behalf and on that of the committee, I express our condolences on the tragic death last weekend of Detective Superintendent Colm Fox. I understand his funeral takes place this morning which is why the acting Garda Commissioner, Dónall Ó Cualáin, cannot be with us. Our thoughts are with Mr. Fox's family and his colleagues, including those here, and his friends at this very sad time.

Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name, in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. 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.