Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome Mr. Liam Lacey, director of the Irish Maritime Development Office, IMDO, and Mr. Daniel Fallen Bailey, economic and policy adviser in the IMDO, who join us remotely. You are both very welcome.

Before we begin, I will give the normal spiel. Witnesses 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I wish to advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protections afforded to witnesses attending to give evidence before committees may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on the extent to which evidence given is covered by absolute privilege. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should also be mindful of their domestic statutory regime, which obviously does not apply at this session.

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 welcome Mr. Lacey and I call on him to make his opening remarks to the committee. We cannot hear Mr. Lacey, perhaps he could unmute his microphone. I propose a short suspension while we reconnect with Mr. Lacey.