David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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This committee will discuss hearings on the review of legislation on prostitution in Ireland. The purpose of today's meeting is to have discussions with people associated with the review of such legislation. The committee will now hear from Mr. Paul Maguire, editor of the RTE investigations unit, who is accompanied by Ms Carolyn Fisher from the RTE communications department. Also present are members of the Garda Síochána, Superintendent Fergus Healy, Detective Superintendent John McCann and Detective Inspector Gerry McGrath. The delegates are welcome and we thank them for attending today.

The format is that speakers will give opening remarks of about five minutes' duration, which will be followed by a question and answer session. Before we begin I draw the attention of all witnesses to the situation relating to privilege, which is important. Please note that you are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you will give to the committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter, and you continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible you 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. Members should also be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Paul Maguire to make his opening statement.