Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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We are in public session and will continue our discussion on the outline heads of the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill 2013. I pay a special welcome to Mr. Jeremy Gault, director, and Dr. Anne Marie O'Hagan of the Coastal and Marine Research Centre, CMRC. I thank them for their attendance. I will get a little technical and mention privilege for witnesses, so they should bear with me for a minute or two.

I wish to draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 the proceedings is to be given and 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. I also wish to advise witnesses that their opening statements may be published on the committee's website after the meeting has concluded.

I remind members 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Gault.