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Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development

Business of Joint Committee

Summary

The Chair noted absences and reminded members of in-person participation requirements and restrictions on potentially defamatory statements.

John Paul O'Shea An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Apologies have been received from Deputies Liam Quaide and Peter Roche.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask that any member partaking via MS Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, would confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 members' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to identifying an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that members comply with any such direction.

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