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

I welcome the representatives from Justice for the Forgotten, Ms Margaret Urwin and Mr. Alan Brecknell. Before I invite them to make their opening statements, I will make two points. If a vote is called in the Dáil, I will be required to adjourn the meeting to allow members of the committee who are Members of the Dáil to attend that vote. We are not in control of when that might happen but it will be indicated by the ringing of a bell. The committee will resume immediately after the vote. I just wanted to make people aware that that might happen.

I will now read the notice regarding privilege, which is universal to all our meetings. 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 good name of the person or the entity.

I now invite Ms Margaret Urwin to make her opening statement, to be followed by Mr. Alan Brecknell.