Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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Our next business is our engagement with Mr. Terence Coskeran, petitioner, on petition No. 00021/21, taking in charge.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such a direction.

Before we hear from our witness, I propose that we publish his opening statement on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Coskeran. I suggest that he make his opening statement, which should last for around ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members. If members keep to around five or six minutes, it will give them an opportunity to come back in afterwards for supplementary questions and allow members to speak more than once. I invite Mr. Coskeran to make his opening statement.