Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise for the interruption. I hope we will not have another one. The purpose of this part of the meeting is to have an engagement with Caranua on the matters I outlined. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome again Ms Mary Higgins and Mr. David O'Callaghan, CEO and chairman, respectively, of Caranua.

I draw attention to the fact that 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 respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements of the witnesses, for which I thank them, and their oral presentations may be published on the committee website. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Ms Mary Higgins to make her opening statement.