Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of members, I welcome Dr. James Cross from the UCD school of politics and international relations. We had a really interesting and good engagement with the European Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, a few weeks ago and we have spoken to fellow parliamentarians about an initiative from the Dutch Parliament on demanding more transparency in the context of Council and institution documents. Dr. Cross has done some interesting work and research in this area, so we are looking forward to the engagement today.

Before we commence, I must advise the witnesses 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 joint 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 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 or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Cross to make an opening statement and then we will have a question-and-answer session.