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

I thank the witnesses from the Department of the Taoiseach for coming to our meeting: Ms Aingeal O’Donoghue, assistant secretary; and Mr. Eoghan Duffy, principal officer. I appreciate that they will come under time pressure at 3.30 p.m. In order to facilitate discussion on their document, I propose, before I read the privilege statement, that we take their statement as read and we ask them questions to save time so that there will be more opportunity for discussion. If that is acceptable to them, we would be happy to do that.

I will now read the privilege notice. 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, 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 as 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 and should respect directions given by the Chair 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 which might be regarded as damaging to the person's or entity's good name.