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

In our first session we will hear from Dr. Karlin Lillington of The Irish Times, Dr. Johnny Ryan from Brave, Mr. Roger McNamee, an investor and author, and Mr. Ben Nimmo from Graphika. It is hoped that Ms Carole Cadwalladr of The Observerwill be joining us shortly.

I need to read out some formal notices. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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. Witnesses 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 also advise witnesses that their submissions and opening statements to the committee will be published on its website after this meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The format of the meeting is that witnesses will be invited to make an opening statement of no longer than five minutes. I will signal when they have one minute remaining. I will be strict on time with both witnesses and parliamentarians because we are on a tight schedule.

I invite Dr. Lillington to make her opening statement.