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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Feighan and Senator O'Hara. I welcome Ms Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda and Ms Elaine Crory from the Women's Resource and Development Agency. I thank them both for their attendance.

I will read a note on parliamentary privilege to our guests, which we must do before every meeting. I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person or 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 a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does 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 should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. They should also respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity either 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 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 thank the witnesses again for coming. They had a delayed journey this morning, I understand. I invite Ms Crickard to begin.