Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. Today, we are again meeting to address the practice of dual pricing for insurance. To assist us in considering this matter, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Fergal O'Leary, member of the commission, and Ms Áine Carroll, director of communications and policy, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; and Mr. Gerry Hassett, interim CEO and Mr. Michael Horan, non-life insurance manager, Insurance Ireland.

I advise the witnesses 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 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 the 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 invite Mr. O'Leary to make his opening statement, on behalf of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.