Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, and her officials. 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. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submission or opening statement made to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I thank the Minister of State and her officials for their attendance. After the Minister of State has made her opening statement, I will give committee members five minutes each and call them in the normal order. If the Minister of State does not have particular information requested, I ask her to communicate it in writing to members in the coming days. I invite her to make her opening statement.