Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Fred Barry, chief executive officer of the National Roads Authority, and his colleagues Mr. Pat Maher and Mr. Michael Nolan. They will outline the role of the authority with regard to maintaining good-quality surfaces, access to motorways and cross-Border roads. I draw attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement to the committee will be published on the committee website. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.