Paul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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I will read the note on privilege. 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 they have a 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 to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They 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 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 a witness giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by them of any matters arising from the proceedings outside the proceedings held by the committee.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses 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 in the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in a member having their online access removed.

The purpose of the second session of this meeting is for the committee to undertake an examination of horse welfare concerns and compliance with legislation. The committee will hear from Mr. John Condon, director of services for water services, environment, climate change and agriculture, emergency services and elections in Mayo County Council, on behalf of the County and City Management Association, CCMA. He is very welcome to the meeting. I will allow him five minutes to read an opening statement, after which we will proceed into a question and answer session. By way of explanation, a vote is taking place in the Dáil so there are only Senators are present and the Deputies will join us on completion of the vote.