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

I welcome from the National Travellers Women's Forum, Ms Bridget Kelly and Ms Maria Joyce; from the Irish Traveller Movement, Ms RoseMarie Maughan and Ms Bridget Casey; from Pavee Point, Mr. Patrick Reilly and Mr. Martin Collins; and from the County and City Management Association, CCMA, Mr. Michael Walsh and Mr. Seamus Hanrahan.

A video of approximately three and a half minutes will be shown as part of the presentation. This will be followed by a short statement. The three organisations have agreed to share their time to accommodate the video.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. Witnesses 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 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 Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Ms Maughan to make her presentation.