Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of our second session is to conduct a detailed scrutiny of the Bail (Amendment) Bill 2017, which is sponsored by Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. We are joined by Ms Joan Deane, vice chairman of Advocates for Victims of Homicide, AdVIC. We are also joined by Ms Deirdre Malone, executive director, Ms Fíona Ní Chinnéide, deputy executive director, and Ms Michelle Martyn, senior research and policy project manager with the Irish Penal Reform Trust. From Trinity College Dublin, we are joined by Dr. Mary Rogan, associate professor in law. All of the witnesses are very welcome. Ms Deane was to have been joined by Mr. Conor Nolan but, unfortunately, he is not able to be here. We thank him for his initial indication of intent. I welcome our guests and will shortly invite them to make their opening statements in the order in which I have announced them. I hope that is okay.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to draw attention to the fact that 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 a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses 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 remind members and visitors to switch their mobile phones to silent as they may interfere with the recording system.

Deputy O'Callaghan will outline his Bill and our guests will then be invited to make their opening statements. Thereafter, members will be free to contribute and engage.