Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This evening's engagement is with representatives of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to discuss the infrastructure guidelines and recent changes made thereto. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Kevin Meaney, Ms Ciara Morgan, Mr. Frank Newman, Ms Niamh Foley, and Ms Anna Cremins.

Before we begin, I wish to explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards references that may be made to other persons in evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their presentations to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they may say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege. 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, witnesses will be directed to discontinue those remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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 or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I invite Mr. Kevin Meaney to make his opening statement.