John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are joined this morning for our consideration of the insurance industry by representatives from Allianz, Axa and FBD. They are Mr. Seán McGrath and Ms Marie Corry from Allianz; Mr. Philip Bradley from Axa; and Ms Fiona Muldoon, Ms Kate Tobin and Mr. Jackie McMahon from FBD. I welcome the witnesses and we thank them for taking up the invitation to come before us. We are doing considerable work on insurance with the Minister and other committee involved.

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 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 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 call Mr. McGrath.