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

The main item of business is the National Famine Commemoration Day Bill 2017, which provides for the commemoration of the Great Famine, the establishment of a national Famine commemoration day and related matters. It is a Private Members' Bill sponsored by Deputy Brophy and it was referred to this committee by the Dáil in 2017. At our meeting of 14 November, the committee decided to conduct a detailed scrutiny of the Bill. In accordance with the guidelines of that day, we will commence that scrutiny. To assist us in this matter, I am pleased to welcome Deputy Brophy and from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Mr. Conor Falvey, assistant secretary, and Mr. John Healy. They are accompanied by Professor Tommy Cooke, who is a member of the national Famine commemoration committee. Mr. Michael Blanch and Ms Olivia Blanch are also with us today.

Sula tosóimid lenár bhfianaise, ba mhaith liom a chur ar aird na bhfinnéithe go bhfuil, de bhua alt 17(2)(l) den Acht um Chlúmhilleadh 2009, na finnéithe faoi chosaint ag lánphribhléid maidir leis an bhfianaise a thabharfaidh siad don choiste seo. Before the witnesses address the meeting, I draw their attention 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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 advise witnesses that their opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing 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.

Cuirfimid tús leis an gcomhrá. I remind witnesses and guests in the Gallery to switch off their mobile phones if they have not done so thus far because it interferes with the recording material here. I dtús báire, tugaim cuireadh don Teachta Brophy an Bille a tharraingt anuas agus labhairt linn.