Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee I welcome Ms Jennifer Armstrong and Ms Ivana Holub, and joining us online are Ms Megan Schiewe and Ms Ellen Embury. I thank them very much for joining us.

Before we begin, I am required to repeat the note on privilege. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should 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 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 or her identifiable. I 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. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to making a contribution to the meeting that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. I also remind any member who is participating through Microsoft Teams that the translation will not be available, so if they need to look at a translation I ask them to make their way to the Chamber. They would be very welcome.

I call Ms Embury to make her opening statement.