Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Eugene Clonan, deputy director of the Irish Coastguard. From the maritime services division of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport I welcome Mr. Caoimhín Ó Ciaruáin, principal officer; Mr. Niall Ferns, manager of volunteer services and training; and Ms Clare O'Connell.

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 joint 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.

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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Clonan to make his opening statement.