Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Chris Macey from the Irish Heart Foundation. I must vacate the Chair at 6.30 p.m. but I am sure I will be more than adequately replaced.

Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references the witness may make to other persons in his 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. However, a witness giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present. The witness is reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that he 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if his statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, he will be directed to discontinue his remarks. It is imperative to comply with any such request.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place in which the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, 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.

I now invite our witness to give an opening statement.