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

We will resume in public session. The purpose of the first part of today's session is to meet representatives from the Policing Authority to discuss two main issues. First, we will revisit the committee's report, published in December 2016, in respect of Garda oversight and accountability and consider what progress has been made in this area in the meantime, including implementation of the committee's recommendations and, second, we will discuss issues surrounding the recording and classification of Garda homicide figures, including, in particular, the review being conducted by the force into the classification of homicides and reasons for the delay in publishing the findings of that review and furnishing a report to the Policing Authority.

I welcome from the Policing Authority Ms Josephine Feehily, chairperson, and Ms Helen Hall, chief executive. Before we begin, I have to offer the same caution to members and guests alike. Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, 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 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 invite Ms Feehily to make her opening statement.