Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today’s meeting is for the joint committee to continue to discuss its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill. We are joined by Mr. Michael Kingston and Mr. Ciaran McCarthy. They are both very welcome.

I will read a note on privilege for both our witnesses and members. 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue such remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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 to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member 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 any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. If attending in the committee room, they are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I now invite Mr. Kingston to make his opening statement. He is very welcome.