Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Meabhraím do chomhaltaí a ngutháin phóca a mhúchadh, mo cheann féin san áireamh, toisc go gcuireann siad isteach ar an gcóras fuaime. I ask members to switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and with the broadcasting of the meeting.

Thug muid cuireadh don Aire Stáit teacht os ár gcomhair chun caint linn mar gheall ar impleachtaí an reachtaíocht a bheidh ag dul os comhair na Dála i gceann cúpla seachtain: the miscellaneous provisions (withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 29 March 2019) Bill 2019. On behalf of the committee I have asked the Minister of State to come before us to help us in our discussions as to the potential impact of that legislation on the work of the committee, an Comhchoiste um Chultúr, Oidhreacht agus Gaeltacht. Cuirim fáilte roimhe.

I draw the Minister of State's attention 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 the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee 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. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements and any other documents the Minister of State has submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members of the committee 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.

Tugaim cuireadh don Aire Stáit a chur i láthair a dhéanamh. Ligfidh mé do na Teachtaí agus Seanadóirí ceisteanna a chur ina dhiaidh.