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

I wish to point out that Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor shall deputise for Deputy Noel Harrington. I shall now deal with item 7, a meeting with Ms Eithne Scott-Lennon, chairperson designate, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the approach she will take in her proposed new role and her views on the challenges facing the company.

Members will be aware of the Government decision in May 2011 that put in place new arrangements for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate in public session in order to hear her views. We trust that the meeting will provide greater transparency to the process of appointment to State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee I welcome Ms Scott-Lennon.

I advise the witness 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statements that witnesses have submitted will be published on the committee website after the meeting. 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Scott-Lennon to make her opening statement.