Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off. This is section B. I welcome Mr. Simon Murray, chairman of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, Mr. Jerry Early, chairman of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, Mr. Enda Conneely, a committee member of same, and from Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Ruth Brennan, a marine social scientist at Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities. I thank them for coming before the committee today and for sending their submissions to the committee. These, along with their opening statements, have been circulated to members. I remind witnesses that presentations should not take longer than ten minutes, if at all possible, to try to speed up the process.

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. 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 call Mr. Murray to make his opening statement.