Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Black and Stephen Farry, MP. Today we have an engagement with representatives of Truth Recovery Process. In particular, I welcome our former colleague from the Houses, Liz McManus, a former Deputy and Minister of State. She is her in her role as vice chair of the Truth Recovery Process and is accompanied her colleagues Mr. Harry Donaghy, Northern chair; Mr. John Green, Southern chair; Mr. Padraig Yeates, secretary; Mr. Peter Lavery; and Mr. Andy Pollak. On behalf of the committee, I welcome them to the meeting. We will have 15 minutes allocated to each group. It is relaxed and informal, involving questions and answers or whatever. The witnesses should feel free to contribute their views.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to other persons 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. However, witnesses and participants who give 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 those precincts, and they may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chair and also respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible they should neither criticise nor 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. Members are also 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 understand that Mr. Yeates is making the opening statement. Is that correct?