Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are continuing our discussion with the officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The first round of speakers made their contributions before the break and I have a few other questions to ask. We are joined for the afternoon session by Mr. James Ryan from the Department of Defence and from An Garda Síochána by Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, assistant commissioner, security and intelligence, and Mr. Michael Gubbins, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. We will be dealing with the issue of cyber security during the course of the meeting, although not yet. I advise the new witnesses 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 they are directed by it 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by members of the committee clearly and with candour, they can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.

To return to Mr. Griffin, there are a few issues I wish to raise. I will return to broadband provision, given that it is the topic of the moment, even though there are other issues arising from the full Vote before us. I have three questions about the appropriation account for the purposes of clarification. Before the break, we touched on inland fisheries which are dealt with on page 6. Page 13 has a heading which refers to contingent liabilities. It states there is potential for financial liabilities to arise in 2018 and subsequent years, depending on the outcome of current pending and possible future EU and other legal actions. What current cases are referred to? Is there a list or schedule? Obviously, Mr. Griffin cannot talk about future cases that have not yet arisen, but perhaps he might tell the committee about current and pending cases.