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

Apologies have been received from Senators Niall Blaney and Frances Black. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Raymond McCord, victims campaigner. From McIvor and Farrell Solicitors, I welcome Mr. Paul Farrell, solicitor advocate, and Mr. Ciarán O'Hare, solicitor. I thank them for attending. We recognise the importance of these tragedies to them.

Before we begin, I will read a note on parliamentary privilege. We read it to every witness, so it is not personal to anybody. It is standard procedure regarding 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. However, witnesses and participants who are to 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 does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. Witnesses should respect parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons, 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 person’s or entity’s good name.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, her or it identifiable.

I call on Mr. McCord to make his opening statement. As I have mentioned before, he is welcome to our committee.