Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs

Transparency and Ireland's Involvement in European Union Institutions: European Movement Ireland

10:00 am

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, and Senator Neale Richmond.

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting. This is important as interference from them causes serious problems for broadcasting, sound and editorial staff.

On behalf of all members of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Noelle O'Connell, executive director of European Movement Ireland, to discuss transparency in the European institutions and Ireland's involvement in them. Few organisations are as active in the area of European Union affairs as European Movement Ireland. I have dealt with it during the years and it is very familiar to the committee and its members. It explains to citizens how the European Union works and encourages many to engage and work with its institutions. We are delighted that its representatives are with us and thank them for coming in such inclement weather. I extended the apologies of Senator Neale Richmond, but he has now arrived.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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.

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