Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to begin our consideration of the issues of community policing and rural crime. It is anticipated that this session will focus primarily on the first aspect, but we are not locked into that by any means. Witnesses are welcome to address the topic of rural crime in conjunction with community policing as they wish. The topics are not mutually exclusive.

From the University of Limerick school of law, we have Dr. Johnny Connolly, who has also been a member of the Commission on the Future of Policing. From Foróige we have Ms Bernie Meally, area manager for the south-east region; and Ms Kayleigh Canning, senior youth officer with the Garda youth diversion project. From Muintir na Tíre we have Mr. Michael Sweeney, president; and Mr. Niall Garvey, chief executive. They are all very welcome.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I will call on the witnesses in the order I introduced them. I invite Dr. Connolly to make his opening statement.