Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome from Waterways Ireland, Mr. Éanna Rowe, operations controller, and Mr. Patrick Harkin, head of the inspectorate; from the Irish Residential Boat Owners Association, Mr. Liam Finnegan and Mr. Jerry Gleeson; and from the Royal Canal Amenity Group, Mr. Derek Whelan, director, and Mr. Niall Galway, secretary. I thank them for their attendance.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. For those witnesses attending in the committee room, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. 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 they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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.