Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black, Mr. John Finucane MP, Ms Sorcha Eastwood MP and Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh.

I welcome Mr. Tim Attwood, foundation secretary of the John and Pat Hume Foundation and Ms Eileen Weir, peace guardian. Mr. Dáire Hughes, a new Member of Parliament, is also present. He is very welcome, as is Mr. David Holloway. It is very important that they attend. We look forward to discussing things with them.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses 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 both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses and participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts, however, are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does, and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chair on the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the person's or entity's good name.

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, her or it identifiable.

I call Mr. Attwood to make his opening statement.