Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's engagement is to meet the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission to revisit the issue of Garda oversight and accountability and look at the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the joint committee as published in December 2016 in its report on the subject. We shall also consider GSOC's proposals for stand-alone legislation for it. We note the publication of a report by Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in December 2017. We thank her for her attendance in such inclement weather. We also welcome Ms Claire Grady, head of communications at GSOC, who is in the Visitors Gallery.

Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular 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.

I invite Ms Justice Mary Ellen ring to make her opening statement.