Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Michael Shotter, director of migration and protection at the European Commission. Today's engagement will allow us to explore the migration and asylum pact in more detail.

Before we begin, I must advise Mr. Shotter that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. I ask him to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, he should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I wish to advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protections afforded to witnesses attending to give evidence to committees may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on whether, or the extent to which, evidence given is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should also be mindful of their domestic statutory regime. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, he or she must respect that direction. 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.

I now invite Mr. Shotter to make his opening statement.