Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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I remind those present to turn off their mobile phones. It is not sufficient to leave them in silent mode. They need to be switched off, as otherwise they will interfere with the broadcasting equipment, which means that we will not be able to broadcast the proceedings.
Members will be aware that the European Commission recently published a communication on the voting rights of EU citizens living abroad and the impact of procedures in various countries in that regard. The Commission has criticised Ireland for not providing voting rights for its citizens living in other member states. With Ireland, Denmark, Cyprus, Malta and the United Kingdom have also been cited for disenfranchising voters who have exercised their right to free movement within the European Union. At this meeting, one of a series of meetings, we will hear the distinct perspectives on the non-Government side of the House. Fianna Fáil has nominated Deputy Timmy Dooley who is no stranger to the committee to present its views. Sinn Féin will be represented by Ms Lynn Boylan who is a member of its Ard Chomhairle, while an Independent's view will be presented by Deputy John Halligan.
Before we begin, 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 or body outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

We have agreed that the order of speakers will be Ms Lynn Boylan, followed by Deputy John Halligan and Deputy Timmy Dooley. Each of our presenters has approximately five minutes to make his or her contribution, after which we will take questions from members.