Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and we will not get coverage if there is interference with microphones and other equipment. Apologies have been received from Senator Ned O'Sullivan. The meeting has been convened for the purpose of consideration by the committee of matters relating to the consultation paper on the establishment of an electoral commission in Ireland. The committee will now discuss the matter. Is that agreed? Agreed. It is proposed that this part of our meeting will conclude at 5 p.m., if not previously concluded. There might not be a break between this part and the private meeting but we will deal with the matter when we get to it. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I welcome from the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, and the Referendum Commission, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is also the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Peter Tyndall and Mr. Paddy Walsh; Ms Mairead Ahern, county registrar for Louth, and Mr. Fintan Murphy, country registrar for Mayo, who are representing returning officers; and Mr. Joseph Nugent, Mr. Conn Murray and Mr. Vincent Norton from the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, and the County and City Managers Associations, CMMA.

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 in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements may be published on the committee website after the conclusion of the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite Mr. Seamus McCarthy to make his opening statement. He has approximately ten minutes, as was the case last week. I suggest to members that they take five minutes initially and then another five minutes for a supplementary question. There will not be time for a reply if they take ten minutes initially.