Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

To recap, witnesses can give evidence from committee room 1 if they prefer not to be in the Chamber. Mr. Jim Breslin has said he does not have a preference. I thank him for coming before us today.

I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(i) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you 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 provisions in Standing Order 186 that the committee should also 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 policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly. I will do my utmost to ensure that they are so treated, as, I am sure, will all committee members. I ask witnesses to bring any concerns witnesses have with regard to their treatment to the attention of the committee and they will be fully considered in accordance with the witness protocol.

Mr. Breslin can make his opening statement, followed by Dr. Tony Holohan. I remind members that every member is being afforded five minutes, and they can be given a further five minutes by a colleague who is further down the speaking list, subject to the proviso that members may have a maximum slot of ten minutes at any time to make statements and ask questions and, most important, leave time for receiving answers. I also ask witnesses to limit their opening statements to five minutes. We have received their statements and I thank them for taking the time to prepare and send them in advance.

I now ask Mr. Breslin to give an opening statement.