John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the gallery to turn off their mobile phones, because they interfere with the sound quality and transmission of the meeting. If they are on the desk, this interference is picked up.

I advise witnesses that you are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence you are to give the committee. If you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. 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 Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Ms Noirín O’Sullivan, Acting Garda Commissioner, and I ask her to introduce her officials. As this is her first time here as Accounting Officer, I wish her well.