Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the Irish Coast Guard with volunteer groups. There will be two sessions. I welcome the following representatives from the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association: Mr. John O'Mahony, chairperson; Mr. Jim Griffin, secretary; Mr. Vincent Farr, assistant secretary; and Mr. Bernard Lucas, assistant chairperson.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege for witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised they should also be mindful of domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise or make changes 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 requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting. If members are attending in the committee room, they are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contacting Covid-19. I thank the witnesses for attending and ask Mr. O'Mahony to make his opening statement. Deputy Carey will substitute for me for a couple of minutes as there is something I need to attend to.