Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Paul Ginnell, policy officer, European Anti-Poverty Network, and Dr. Seán Healy, chief executive officer, Social Justice Ireland. I am sure their contributions today will be helpful to the committee and add another dimension to our work. Before we start with their opening statements, I will give a quick reminder of the rules regarding privilege.

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. 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 the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 they 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.

Before inviting Mr. Ginnell to speak, I wish to apologise that today some of the members have conflicting meetings which is the reason the attendance is low. However, they will receive the official report of everything that is said and the proceedings are recorded. What the witnesses say is important. We value it and we appreciate their time.