Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, members and those in the Visitors Gallery are requested to ensure their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe, or flight mode, depending on the device used, for the duration of the meeting. It is not sufficient to switch them to silent mode as it will still maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting and recording systems.

I welcome Mr. Tom Dunne, chairperson designate of the Residential Tenancies Board. 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 so do, 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. Dunne to make his opening statement.