Vice Chairman:

This is part B of the session. The ICCL representatives who are participating are Ms Doireann Ansbro, head of legal affairs and policy, and Ms Elizabeth Carthy, policy officer. Before I invite them to deliver their opening statement, I must read the standard text on the provisions of the Defamation Act. As the witnesses are appearing virtually, I need to point out that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to evidence given from locations outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

I invite Ms Ansbro to make her opening statement.