Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Next on the order of business is our engagement with Mr. C.J. Gaffney, petitioner and witness supporting petition No. P00012/23 entitled, "Justice and Safety."

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses who give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or 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 your remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such a direction.

Before we hear from the witnesses, I propose we publish their published statement on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. On behalf of the committee I wish to extend a warm welcome to the petitioner and the witnesses, namely, Mr. C.J. Gaffney, the petitioner; Ms Mary Bertelsen, campaigner and concerned citizen on people's rights; Mr. Jakob Pinkster, stability and ship building expert; and Mr. Justin Delaney, stability expert, who is appearing remotely. I also welcome Mr. Christopher Gaffney, who is in the Public Gallery. I suggest that the witnesses should make their opening statements for between five to ten minutes. When all the witnesses have made their opening statements, we will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will have a round of ten minutes, which should allow members to come in more than once. I now call on Mr. C.J. Gaffney to make his opening statement. Perhaps he will introduce the next witness when he has completed his statement.