Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are resuming our detailed scrutiny of the Digital Safety Commissioner Bill 2017, which is a Private Members' Bill.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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.

Witnesses 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. Any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. 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 members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system.

I welcome our guests and advise them that in view of the large number of stakeholders present, opening statements will be restricted to five minutes. I will indicate when witnesses have one minute remaining. Members will be restricted to three minutes each for questions.

We will begin with Deputy Ó Laoghaire, the sponsor of the Bill. I ask him to give a brief overview of what it involves.