Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I now wish to welcome Mr. David Scallan, Mr. Seán Doris and Mr. Simon Devereux from the National Association of Regional Game Councils, as well as Mr. Lorcán O'Toole from the Golden Eagle Trust Limited. I thank them for attending the committee today.

I want to bring to their attention the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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.

I apologise to the witnesses because, having gone through that process, we will now have to suspend for a vote in the Dáil. I have another meeting to attend and may not get back here, depending on how long this vote takes. However, Deputy Deering will take command as Vice Chairman. Is that agreed? Agreed.