Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I welcome Mr. John McCarthy, Secretary General, Ms Maria Graham, assistant secretary in the water and planning division, Mr. Michael Layde, assistant secretary in the housing division, and Mr. David Walsh, assistant secretary in the environment division. I thank them for their attendance.
I wish to 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 the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 these 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 a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise the witnesses that the opening statement and any other documentation they provide this morning may be published on the committee's website once the meeting has concluded.
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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I call on Mr. McCarthy to make an opening statement.