Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Mr. Stephen Lynam, director of Retail Ireland, and Mr. Frank Gleeson, chairman of Retail Ireland, for coming before us today. I know both witnesses were in the public Gallery but I must go through the procedure regarding privilege again. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members have already been reminded of their responsibilities regarding privilege. I now call on Mr. Lynam to make his opening statement.