Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We have a quorum so we are in public session. The committee is meeting to continue its pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Electoral Reform Bill. We are joined by representatives of the following political: Mr. Darragh McShea, assistant general secretary, Fianna Fáil; Mr. John Carroll, general secretary, Fine Gael; Ms Maura Rose McMahon, general secretary, the Green Party; Mr. Brian Sheehan, general secretary, the Social Democrats; and Deputy Ó Broin from Sinn Féin.

I will ask witnesses to make opening statements. I ask witnesses to be brief and keep their opening statements to a minute or two so that we have plenty of time for questioning. Any of the written statements submitted will be published on the website after the meeting.

Members attending remotely within the Leinster House complex are protected by absolute privilege in respect of presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre in order to participate in public meetings. There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege for witnesses attending remotely 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. McShea to make his opening statement.