Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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We will now discuss the appointment as chairman designate of the Censorship of Publications Board of Mr. Shane McCarthy. I welcome Mr. McCarthy to the meeting. I must read out a matter of procedure which is somewhat technical. Bear with me for three or four minutes and thank you for your attendance today.
I wish to draw your 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 you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documentation you submit to the committee may be published on the committee website when we have adjourned.
Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
Mr. McCarthy has been nominated as chair designate of the film censorship board of Ireland. I invite him to make his opening statement.