Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Dia daoibh agus cuirim fáilte roimh na haíonna go léir atá os ár gcomhair inniu. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Uasal Michael Starrett, chief executive agus Ms Marie Bourke, board member and Dr. Helene O'Keefe, iad go léir ón gComhairle Oidhreachta agus Ms Shirley Clerkin agus an Dr. Joseph Gallagher from the Local Authority Heritage Officers Network.

Sula dtosóimid meabhraím do na daoine atá os ár gcomhair an rud seo faoi phribhléid agus caithfidh mé é a léamh amach nuair a thagann aon duine os comhair coiste chun a bheith cinnte go dtuigeann siad rialacha an choiste. Before I ask the witnesses to address the meeting I wish to draw to their attention to the fact that by virtue by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this 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. I wish to also advise witnesses that the opening statement or any other documents submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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.

To commence our discussions iarraim anois ar an Uasal Starrett an méid atá le rá aige a chur inár láthair.