Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our engagement this morning is with Mr. Niall Murphy and Ms Laura Harmon, representatives from Ireland's Future. On behalf of the committee, I welcome them to the meeting. Before we begin, I have to read out a note about privilege. The evidence of witnesses physically present from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses and participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings that a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chairman and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor 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 person's or entity's good name.

I invite Mr. Murphy and Ms Harmon to make their opening statement.