Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In part 2 of today's meeting, we will meet with Mr. David Turner of Church in Chains to discuss its recent paper entitled, "OFFICIAL INDIA: ON THE SIDE OF THE MILITANTS", which was prepared for this committee and addresses the persecution of Christians in India. Mr. Turner is very welcome to today's meeting and we look forward to his presentation. The format of the meeting involves us hearing Mr. Turner's opening statement before going into a question-and-answer session with the members. I again remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference even in silent mode with the recording equipment in this committee room.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that 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 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.

I now call on Mr. Turner to make his opening statement.