John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have resumed in public session. I welcome Mr. Tim Duggan and Mr. Robert Nicholson. I thank them for their attendance. They are very welcome to our meeting. I will ask them shortly to make their opening statement, which we received yesterday and for which we thank them, following which members will be invited to ask questions.

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 by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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 remind colleagues to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode.

I invite Mr. Duggan to make his opening presentation.