Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Compellability, Privileges and Immunities of Witnesses) Act, 1997

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Privileges and immunities of witnesses, etc., before committees.

11.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person whose evidence has been, is being or is to be given before a committee, or who produces, or sends a document to a committee, pursuant to a direction or who is directed to give evidence or produce a document to a committee or to attend before a committee and there to give evidence or produce a document shall be entitled to the same privileges and immunities as if the person were a witness before the High Court.

(2) If a person who is giving evidence to a committee in relation to a particular matter is directed to cease giving such evidence, the person shall be entitled only to qualified privilege in relation to defamation in respect of any such evidence as aforesaid given after the giving of the direction unless and until the committee withdraws the direction.