John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the deputation from Age Action Ireland: Ms Naomi Feely, senior policy officer, and Mr. Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications, who will make a pre-budget submission on pension provision.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are instructed by it to cease giving evidence on a specific matter and 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 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 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Joint Committee on Social Protection will deal with specific matters in advance of the budget, but the Committee on Budgetary Oversight will also have input. I call on Ms Feely to make her opening statement.