Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome to our meeting this afternoon An Post representatives, Mr. David McRedmond, chief executive officer; Ms Debbie Byrne, managing director with An Post retail; and Mr. Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of An Post mails and parcels.

I draw the attention of our guests 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 their evidence to the committee.

However, if they are directed by me, as Chair, 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.

I advise witnesses that any opening statement they make to the committee will be published on the committee website following the meeting.

I remind members 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system.

I invite Mr. McRedmond to make his opening statement.