Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I welcome the following witnesses from the Pyrite Resolution Board to the meeting: Mr. John O'Connor, chairman, Mr. Noel Carroll, general manager, and Ms Sarah Neary, programme manager. Thank you for your attendance today. I propose to hear the witnesses in the order in which I have announced them. I must read out the warning about what you can and cannot say. It is a little technical, so bear with me.

I 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 this committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise you that any documentation you provide with your opening statement may be published on the committee 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 the representatives of the Pyrite Resolution Board to give an opening address.