Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the public gallery to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off or are in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. We have an engagement with the chairperson designate of the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI. I welcome Mr. James Kennedy, chairperson designate of the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

Before we commence and in accordance with procedure I am required to read the following: 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 joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now call on Mr. Kennedy to make his opening remarks to the committee.