Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today we are examining the appropriation accounts for Vote 22 - Courts Service, for the year 2018. We are joined by Ms Angela Denning, chief executive officer. This is her first meeting with us as she is newly appointed. We welcome her and wish her very success in her new position.

We are also joined by Mr. Peter Mullan, head of Circuit and District Court operations, Mr. Seán Quigley, head of resource management and accountant of the Courts Service, and Mr. Tom Ward, principal officer at the office of the CEO. Accompanying these are principal officers Mr. Cillian Smith and Mr. John Cleere.

From the Department of Justice and Equality, we are also joined by Mr. Richard Fallon, principal officer at the civil justice and equality in governance section, and from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Mr. John Burke, principal officer, and Mr. Liam Gleeson, assistant principal. In the Visitors Gallery is Mr. Gerry Curran, press and information officer for the Courts Service. I remind witnesses, members and all those in the Visitors Gallery that all phones are to be switched off or put in airplane mode. Merely putting them on silent will still allow them to interfere with the recording systems.

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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 whereunder the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such a policy. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.