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

I draw the attention of the 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 Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its web page after the 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 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 as they interfere with the sound system.

I welcome the following witnesses who will engage with the committee on the impact of the uptake of retirement packages by postmasters: the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, his officials, and Mr. David McRedmond, chief executive officer of An Post. The main witnesses will speak for no more than five minutes. We will take the Minister and Mr. McRedmond and I will then open the discussion to members. Again, members of the committee will begin the questioning and I will then take the names of other members as they indicate.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Naughten, to make his opening statement.