Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Public Gallery to please ensure their mobile telephones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode. I welcome Deputy Niall Collins, the sponsor of the Bill, to scrutiny of the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2017.

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.