Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The format of the meeting is such that I will invite Ms Forbes or Ms Doherty, whoever is able to be with us at the time, to deliver the opening statement, which is limited to five minutes, and which will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statement on its website following our meeting today.

Before I invite one of the witnesses to deliver the opening statement, I wish to explain some limitations with respect to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses today are giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. Witnesses may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter.

Witnesses are also 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, he or she will be directed to discontinue the remarks.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any 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 they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus to participate in our public meeting today.

I ask members and witnesses to please identify themselves when contributing. This is for the benefit of the Debates Office staff in preparing the Official Report. I also ask everyone to mute their microphones when not contributing to avoid background noise and feedback. When witnesses and members wish to contribute I ask that they use the raise hand facility. I remind those joining today's meeting to switch off their mobile phones or put them into silent mode.

With the housekeeping out of the way, I ask whether Ms Doherty has been able to join the call. As she has not, I ask Ms Forbes if she would like to take the opening statement.