Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputies Richard Boyd Barrett and Pearse Doherty. Today the committee will engage with Dr. Stephen Kinsella and representatives of Social Justice Ireland on budget priorities. Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh Dr. Stephen Kinsella, associate professor of economics from the University of Limerick and Dr. Seán Healy, chief executive; Ms Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst; Ms Colette Bennett, economic and social analyst; and Ms Susanne Rogers, research and policy analyst, from Social Justice Ireland.

Before beginning I explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references to other persons in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, if a witness is giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, he or she may not, as such, benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present would do. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. Ach anois ba mhaith liom tús foirmiúil a chur leis an gcruinniú. I invite Dr. Kinsella to make his opening statement.