John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I remind witnesses and colleagues that their mobile phones should be turned off or put on flight mode please. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statement that the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome Ms Ronnie Fay, Ms Mary Brigid McCann, Ms Missie Collins and Mr. Eamonn McCann, representatives of Pavee Point, and thank them for their attendance. We have received their opening submission, which has been circulated to colleagues. I invite them to address the meeting and then I am sure colleagues will have a number of questions for them.