Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy O'Dowd. Members and visitors in the Gallery are requested by the broadcasting and recording services to ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile telephones are turned off completely or switched to airplane mode, safe mode or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not sufficient just to put telephones in silent mode as it would interfere with the broadcasting system.

I have to step out for a few minutes. Senator Boyhan has agreed to take the Chair.

I welcome to the meeting representatives of the Irish national election and referendum study: Dr. Jane Suiter, Professor David Farrell and Dr. Theresa Reidy. Before we begin, I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Reidy to make her opening statement.