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

Yes, that is fine. If we need to take a break, we will take it. I welcome the Minister and his officials, Ms Áine Stapleton, Ms Maev Nic Lochlainn, Ms Ann Cody, Ms Nicola O'Dwyer, Mr. Eddie Burke, Mr. Martin Diskin, Mr. Liam Keogh, and Mr. David Kitt.

I apologise if there has been any change to 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 the Minister to make his opening statement.