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

I welcome Ms Dearbhla Holohan, from Include Youth, the Strive programme co-ordinator, Ms Debbie Watters, director of Northern Ireland alternatives, Ms Mary Nolan, director of Newstart Education Centre, and Mr. Tony Silcock, CEO of Youth Initiatives, to our meeting. They are very welcome. Some people are attending our meeting remotely and will ask the witnesses questions and hopefully praise them too.

I have a note on privilege, which is read before every committee meeting. There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding any references the witnesses may make to other people in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or 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 from outside the parliamentary precincts, which is not the case of the witnesses today, are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and are advised to take legal advice. That does not apply to the witnesses today. Witnesses are asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 that might be regarded as damaging to the person or entity's good name.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House 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 to be physically present to participate in public meetings. People from a different political jurisdiction can attend remotely.