Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I will draw attention to some procedural matters. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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. Opening statements given by witnesses will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I will first invite our rapporteur, Senator Ó Céidigh, to make a few brief introductory remarks, after which each witness will make a short presentation. Witnesses may share time with a colleague and I ask those who wish to share time to indicate this to me when invited to speak. As there is a large number of witnesses in this session, I ask them to keep opening statements as brief as possible in order that we can conclude reasonably early. After the presentations have finished, we will have brief questions from Senators and brief responses from the witnesses.