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

We are joined by the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Drew Harris, deputy commissioner, Mr. John Twomey, and chief superintendent, Mr. Paul Cleary. They are all very welcome. I will shortly invite the Commissioner to make his opening statement but, first, I must draw our guests' attention to the matter of privilege. They should note that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give 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 that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Commissioner Harris to make his opening statement.