Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. The purpose of our meeting today is engagement with the designate chairpersons of public bodies. In this regard, I welcome Mr. Cormac O'Rourke, chair designate of Transport Infrastructure Ireland; Ms Cliona Cassidy, chairperson designate of the Marine Investigation Board; Mr. John Mullins, chairperson designate of the Port of Cork; and Mr. Maurice O'Gorman, chairperson designate of the Galway Harbour Company.

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.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms Cliona Cassidy to make her opening statement.