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

On behalf of the committee, I very much welcome Professor Jennifer Todd, University College Dublin, and Dr. Joanne McEvoy, University of Aberdeen, who are here to discuss their recent report Mapping Diversity, Negotiating Differences: Constitutional Discussions on a Shared Island. I thank them both for attending.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses with regard to references the 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 are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as do those witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, and 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 and they should respect directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Professor Todd to make her opening statement, to be followed by Dr. McEvoy.