Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The next item of business is our engagement with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, which will be followed by our consideration of public petitions.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards 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. 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses I propose that the committee will publish the opening statement on the Oireachtas website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Justice Alan Mahon, Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, ODF, accompanied by Mr. Brian O'Neill, head of office with the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Mr. Justice Alan Mahon will read out the opening statement. I suggest that Mr. Justice Mahon will make his opening statement for ten minutes and we will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will have a ten-minute slot and members may come in for a second time if required. I now invite Mr. Justice Mahon to make his opening statement.