Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Nobody is denying that Deputy Ó Broin is a member of the committee and he has certain privileges. The Deputy is within the confines of Leinster House so he has privileges above those of other witnesses in attendance. In that regard, I need to be fair. I cannot allow a witness who has extra privilege to put questions to another witness. I do not think it is fair for one witness to question another witness. I think the Deputy would agree on that point. It is for members of the committee to put questions to witnesses, but as confirmed by Deputy Ó Broin in his opening statement he is appearing today as a witness. The question of privilege also arises. I need to be fair to all witnesses and that forms part of my ruling on the matter.