Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Before we begin, I remind witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the house or an official either by name or in any such way as to make him or her identifiable.

If people have mobile telephones, will they please turn them off completely and not put them on silent mode as this will interfere with the recording?

Cuirim fáilte croíúil roimh an Uasal Dónal Ó hAiniféin. Tá sé ar eolas againn go bhfuil Dónal ainmnithe mar chathaoirleach ar an gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, COGG. Tuigim go bhfuil ráitéis aige agus cuirim fáilte roimhe é sin a chur i láthair.