Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses to give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

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 House, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of Members participating online when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts. Members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The committee will now hear from Mr. Simon White, Chairman, and Mr. John O'Connell, Vice Chairman, of Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners, LTWO, Ltd. I call the witnesses to make their opening statement.