Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we start, I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action arising from anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matter arising from the proceedings.

This evening, the committee will hear from Mr. James Geoghegan, Mr. Richard O'Connor and Mr. Tommy Williamson. We will also hear from Mr. Padraig McConn, who is joining us remotely. My understanding is that he is in Finland at the moment. We have been issued with Mr. Geoghegan's opening statement. In the interests of brevity, will he give us a synopsis of its contents? Of all of us here, the Deputy who fully understands the issues, Deputy Fitzmaurice, is laid low with a serious chest infection this evening. I have never heard him as short of guff so he is not feeling great in himself. He has a number of questions he wants to put on the record and I will do that for him as we go through the meeting. I ask Mr. Geoghegan to give us a synopsis of those areas where he sees the issues. It is fair to say to him that as committee Chairman, I am getting lobbied by other stakeholders who say they feel this situation is under control and that they have an alternative product. I put that to him as he begins. Some other stakeholders are saying they have invested and have an alternative product.