Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Data Collection by Digital Assistants: Discussion

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

From the Data Protection Commission, DPC, I welcome Mr. Dale Sunderland, deputy commissioner; Mr. Cathal Ryan, assistant commissioner; and Mr. Ultan O’Carroll, assistant commissioner. From University College Dublin, I welcome Dr. Benjamin R. Cowan, assistant professor at the school of information and communication studies.

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 comment on, 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 witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting.

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.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or put them on silent mode.

I invite Mr. Sunderland to make his opening statement.

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