Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The committee is continuing pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the electoral reform Bill 2020. We are joined from the Data Protection Commission by Mr. Dale Sunderland, deputy commissioner, and Mr. David Murphy, assistant commissioner. We are also joined by Ms Liz Carolan, executive director of Digital Action. Opening statements have been circulated to members. I ask witnesses to make their opening statements first and then members will be invited to ask their questions.

Members attending remotely from within the Leinster House complex are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. I also remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House or the Convention Centre in order to participate in public meetings. For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a person who is physically present. 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.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the Oireachtas website after this meeting. I invite Mr. Sunderland to make his opening statement.