David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of this part of the meeting is to discuss the proposal by the European Commission to establish a European public prosecutor's office. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Professor Gavin Barrett from University College Dublin who will assist the committee in its consideration of this matter. I congratulate Professor Barrett on his recent appointed to the position of professor.

The format is that I will invite Professor Barrett to make some brief opening remarks, which will be followed by a question and answer session with members. I draw Professor Barrett's attention to the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. However, if they are directed 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity, by name or in such as way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Professor Barrett to make a brief opening presentation.