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

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss again issues surrounding the recording and classification of Garda homicide figures including, in particular, 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 very warmly welcome here this morning Ms Lois West, deputy head of An Garda Síochána analysis service, and Ms Laura Galligan, senior crime and policing analyst with an Garda Síochána analysis service.

Before we begin, I have to indicate to members that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, they 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 situation in respect of privilege. I ask them to note that they 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.

Without any further ado, I invite Ms West to make her opening statement, At its conclusion, we will go directly to Ms Galligan.