Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The second session has been convened to discuss the community welfare service. I welcome Mr. Rónán Hession, assistant secretary with responsibility for working age and family policy, Mr. Des Henry, principal officer with responsibility for supplementary welfare allowance policy, and Mr. Noel Hand, principal officer with responsibility for the community welfare service. The witnesses are all very welcome.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references the witnesses may make to other persons when giving evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute 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 any way that makes 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.