David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Senator Katherine Zappone. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to have an engagement with representatives of the Organisation of National Ex -Servicemen and Women and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. The witnesses are all very welcome. I understand this is the first time they have been at an Oireachtas hearing. I apologise for the lack of attendance on the part of colleagues. There is a lot on this morning and people will probably drift in as the morning progresses. We are anxious to give the witnesses the opportunity to put on the Oireachtas record the work they are doing, the needs their members have and their plans for the future. This is a televised meeting so people will be able to watch the contributions of witnesses.

I welcome Mr. Ollie O'Connor, Mr. Derek Ryan, Mr. Richard Dillon, Mr. George Kerwin, Mr. Dan Garland, Mr. William Gilbert and Mr. Charles Motte. I will ask contributors to make brief opening statements and we will follow up with questions and interaction with members. 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 committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind those present to leave their mobile phones in silent or airplane mode in order that they will not interfere with the sound system and the broadcasting of proceedings.