Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I begin, I draw witnesses' 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 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.

Normally members have five minutes to ask questions and then we allow our witnesses back in for five minutes. If there are follow-up questions, there is a minute leeway either way and then we move on. If questions have not been answered, we will get back to them at the end of the meeting.

I call on Ms Graham to make her opening statement.