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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 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 advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they make will be published on the committee website after this meeting. 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system.

I welcome the following witnesses from the Public Banking Forum of Ireland, PBFI, to today's meeting to engage with the joint committee on the impact of the uptake of retirement packages at An Post. The main witnesses will speak for not more than five minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session whereby members may ask questions not exceeding three minutes. From PBFI we have Mr. Seamus Maye, co-chairperson and spokesperson, Mr. Tom O'Callaghan, leader of the post office unit and, Mr. Gerry Duddy, secretary and lead researcher. I invite Mr. Maye to make his opening address. I will indicate after four minutes that he has one minute remaining.