Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our witnesses who have been waiting and welcome them to the meeting. We started our meeting at 9.30 a.m. but we had other issues to deal with. Mr. Ciarán Delaney recommended that we invite the witnesses and we will call them in the following order: Ms Diane Hill, to be followed by Mr. Dermot O'Leary and then by Mr. Ciarán Delaney.

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording and broadcasting equipment.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 committee. However, if they are directed 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I apologise on behalf of members of the committee who were present earlier. They have to attend different meetings and they will return. A plenary session of the Dáil is also due to commence shortly.

I invite Ms Diane Hill to make her opening presentation.