Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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We will continue our discussion on the outline heads of the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill 2013. I welcome Mr. Tony Smyth and Mr. Liam Basquille from the Office of Public Works and thank them for their attendance.

I wish to advise them of a procedural notice with regard to giving evidence. I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice in regard to referring to officials outside the House and so forth. Members are also asked to respect that parliamentary practice. I invite Mr. Smyth to address the committee.