Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Jim Clarken, Mr. Simon Murtagh and Dr. Sheila Killian from the University of Limerick, and Professor José Antonio Ocampo, commissioner from the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation, ICRICT. We expect he will be joining the meeting shortly online.

It is our first meeting examining in more depth the taxation of assets and wealth. Before we begin I will explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference 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 who are 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 who is physically present.

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 their 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.

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 requirements that they 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. It will not be permitted for a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

After that housekeeping, I now invite Mr. Clarken to make his opening statement.