David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from an Cathaoirleach, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, Deputy Barry Cowen and Senator O'Reilly. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss with officials from the Department of Defence the general scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023. I welcome: Ms Bernie Maguire, assistant secretary with responsibility for defence and security policy and legislation; Ms Clare Tiernan, assistant secretary with responsibility for defence capability; Mr. Cathal Duffy, assistant secretary, independent review group, IRG, implementation division; Mr. Billy Touhy, principal officer, legislation branch; Mr. Kieran Butler, assistant principal officer, conciliation and arbitration branch; and Ms Lisa Hennessy, assistant principal officer, legislation branch. I thank the witnesses for being here. The format of the meeting will be as usual, namely, we will hear an opening statement from Ms Maguire and this will be followed by a question-and-answer session with members. I ask members to be concise in their questions to allow all members a change to participate.

In respect of privilege, witnesses and members 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 in any way 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, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that any direction be fully complied with.

For witnesses attending remotely from outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex.

I now call on Ms Maguire to make her opening statement.