Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will continue.

The general scheme of the digital services Bill 2023 provides for Coimisiún na Meán to be designated as the digital services co-ordinator. The general scheme also provides for matters relating to digital services, investigations and sanctions under miscellaneous matters. As I said, today we will have the opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I welcome, from the digital economy regulation unit in the Department, Ms Sabha Greene, principal officer, and Dr. Elizabeth Harvey, assistant principal officer.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' 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.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence consideration of the matter, I invite Ms Greene to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Department.