Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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I will read out some formal notices. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place at which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, and-or the Convention Centre Dublin, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to the constitutional requirement and, therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I will explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the House regarding references members may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present, or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, they are giving their evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses may think it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Members are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

This is our third meeting on direct provision. We have met the Ombudsman, Peter Tyndall, and the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon. I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to our witnesses today: Mr. John Lannon, chief executive officer, CEO, of Doras and Mr. Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council. We have received an apology from Ms Aideen Roche from Doras who cannot attend. Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The committee also welcomes the recent White Paper on Ending Direct Provision published by the Government. Our witnesses should confine their opening statements for five to ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will be given approximately five minutes, which will give them a chance to come back in with a second round of questions if they wish. Members may speak more than once.

I invite Mr. Lannon to make his opening statement. As we cannot hear him, I will ask Mr. Henderson to make his opening statement. There seems to be a technical problem in the committee room. I propose we suspend for five minutes.