Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are continuing our discussion of national cybersecurity. The specific purpose of this meeting is to discuss national cybersecurity in light of the recent cyberattacks on the HSE and the Department of Health. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Ossian Smyth.

All witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions. For witnesses attending remotely, outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that to participate in public meetings members must be physically present within the confines of the place the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any committee member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will, reluctantly, be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via Teams to confirm, prior to making their contributions, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

For the information of anyone watching this meeting online, Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely, with committee members being in the precincts of Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin. Only I, as Chairman, and the staff essential to the running to the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to the unprecedented circumstances of Covid-19 and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us should any technical issues arise.

I call the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, to make his opening statement. He has approximately five minutes.