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

I welcome our witnesses, Ms Mairéad de Buitléir, Mr. Colm Ó Gógáin and Mr. Matt Kelly. Before inviting the witnesses to make their presentation, I will read a note relating to privilege. Members will have a number of questions after the presentations.

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 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. If colleagues have mobile phones they should turn them off or to flight mode. Apart from interfering with the proceedings of the meeting, they interfere with its recording and transmission. I understand Ms de Buitléir is to start but witnesses can present in any order they wish before we go to colleagues for questions.