Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

I ask all members to put their mobile phones on silent mode. Before we begin, I wish to explain to witnesses some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards reference you may make to other persons in your evidence. You are protected under absolute privilege in respect of the presentation you make to the committee. This means that you have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything you say at this meeting. However, you are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if your statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, you will be directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that you comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the Leinster House precincts. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in the public meeting, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any member partaking in the meeting via Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are reminded of a 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 the person or entity identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if your statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct you to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that you comply with any such direction.

At our meeting on 27 May, we elected Deputy Edward Timmins as Leas-Chathaoirleach. I would like to congratulate the newly elected Leas-Chathaoirleach. Do you want to say a few words?