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

The purpose of the meeting is to meet the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Drew Harris, who is very welcome. We will receive an update on the implementation of the Garda reform plan and miscellaneous issues that have arisen since the Garda Commissioner was last before us in early February. He is joined by Mr. John Twomey, deputy commissioner for policing and security, and Mr. Joseph Nugent, chief administrative officer, who are both welcome. Also present are Mr. Andrew McLindon, director of communications, and Ms Marie Broderick, superintendent in the Office of the Garda Commissioner, who are also very welcome.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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 the Garda Commissioner to make his opening statement.