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

Before inviting Mr. Murray to give his opening statement I have to go through some formalities.

The joint committee is now resuming its consideration of the Irish Coast Guard. I would like to welcome witnesses from the Coastal Unit Advisory Group, CUAG, and thank them for their forbearance with time. I welcome Mr. Michael Murray, CUAG co-ordinator and volunteer officer, who is in charge of the Cleggan Coast Guard unit in County Galway; Ms Megan Grindrod from Doolin IRCG, County Clare; Mr. Brendan Cahill from Toe Head IRCG, County Cork; Mr. Colin Murray from Howth IRCG, County Dublin; and Mr. Kieran Gallagher from Ballyglass IRCG, County Mayo.

I will now read the note on privilege. 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 a witness’s statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an indefinable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses who are attending remotely from outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. Witnesses who are participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of how domestic law may apply to the evidence they give.

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, her or it identifiable. I would remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to partake from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member who is partaking via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

If attending the meeting in the committee room, you are asked to exercise personal hygiene to protect yourself and others and from the risk of contracting Covid-19. I will now ask Mr. Murray to make his opening statement.