Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming will also be adversely affected.

We now move to engagement with Mr. Tony Brazil, chairperson designate of the governing body of Limerick Institute of Technology. This is an opportunity for the committee to discuss with Mr. Brazil his vision and priorities in the short to medium term and any challenges facing the institute. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Brazil. The format of this part of the meeting is that I will invite him to make a brief opening statement, a maximum of three minutes long, which will be followed by engagement with members of the committee.

Before we begin, I draw Mr. Brazil's attention 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 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 Mr. Brazil that any opening statement he has made to the committee will be published on the committee website after 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.