Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 also wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. Mobile telephones interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming is also adversely affected.

I propose the main witnesses will speak for no more than five minutes and if they wish to share speaking time, they might indicate that to me at the start of the presentation. I understand Ms Joanne Neary, assistant Data Protection Commissioner, proposes to make a presentation on online behavioural advertising and the committee has agreed to hear that presentation after the Data Protection Commissioner's presentation. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Helen Dixon and Ms Joanne Neary and I ask Ms Dixon to begin.