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

The purpose of today's meeting is to examine the issue of spent convictions and the potential for reform in this area. We are joined by Senator Lynn Ruane, who has undertaken considerable work in this area. She has beavered away to ensure that this meeting was scheduled before the recess. I am very pleased to say that has been done. We are also joined by representatives of the Irish Penal Reform Trust, namely, Ms Fíona Ní Chinnéide, executive director, and Ms Michelle Martyn, senior research and policy project manager. They are both very welcome. From University College Dublin, we are joined by Dr. T.J. McIntyre. He is very welcome back. We are also joined by Mr. Niall Walsh, manager of the Pathways Centre, an aftercare programme for former prisoners. Mr. Walsh is also very welcome. I have to go through the formal notification of privilege, after which I intend to invite the witnesses to speak in the order in which I have just introduced them.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the situation in respect of privilege. They should note that they 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 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.