David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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As we have a quorum we shall begin the meeting. I ask everybody to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system. The purpose of the meeting is to engage with the Immigration Control Platform.

May I remind members to ask questions, addressing them through the Chair, and save their speeches for the Dáil or the Seanad?

Briefing material has been circulated to members. I welcome Ms Áine Ní Chonaill, public relations officer and Mr. Ted Neville, member of the executive committee of Immigration Control Platform. I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement of approximately five minutes which will be followed by a question and answer session with members.

Before beginning I draw the attention of the witnesses to the position in regard to privilege. 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Ní Chonaill to make her opening statement.