Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The next item of business is our engagement with petitioner Mr. Frank Moran, regarding petition No. P00058/2024, entitled Flawed Legislation relating to Pensions and Social Security.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references to other persons witnesses may make 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. Witnesses 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 identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the witnesses, Mr. Frank Moran, the petitioner, and Ms Lucy Donoghue. Mr. Moran will read his opening statement, which should last no longer than ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will have around ten minutes and they can come back in, if they so wish. Members may speak more than once. I invite Mr. Moran to make his opening statement.