Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In our second session we will continue our consideration of the appropriate use of public land. I welcome from South Dublin County Council, Mr. Colm Ward, from Fingal County Council, Ms AnnMarie Farrelly and Ms Mary Egan, from Cork City Council, Ms Ann Doherty and Mr. Brian Geaney, and from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Ms Catherine Keenan and Ms Mary Henchy.

Before I begin, 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 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Ward to make his opening statement.