Article 10 Oral evidence
Where the chairperson so directs, oral evidence may be given at an inquiry hearing by live television link or other such arrangement by which the witness is able to be seen and heard in the proceedings and is able to see and hear the proceedings while at a place outside the room where the hearing is held.
Subject to paragraphs (3) to (6), where a witness is giving oral evidence at an inquiry hearing, only counsel to the inquiry and the inquiry panel may ask questions of that witness.
Where a witness, whether a core participant or otherwise, has been questioned orally in the course of an inquiry hearing pursuant to paragraph (2), the chairperson may direct that the recognised legal representative of that witness may ask the witness questions.
Where—
a witness other than a core participant has been questioned orally in the course of an inquiry hearing by counsel to the inquiry, or by the inquiry panel; and
that witness’s evidence directly relates to the evidence of another witness,
the recognised legal representative of the witness to whom the evidence relates may apply to the chairperson for permission to question the witness who has given oral evidence.
The recognised legal representative of a core participant may apply to the chairperson for permission to ask questions of a witness giving oral evidence.
When making an application under paragraphs (4) or (5), the recognised legal representative must state—
the issues in respect of which a witness is to be questioned; and
whether the questioning will raise new issues or, if not, why the questioning should be permitted.
The chairperson may require the application under paragraphs (4) or (5) to be made in writing a reasonable period in advance of the date on which the witness in question is due to give evidence.
For the purposes of paragraph (1) any impairment of sight or hearing is to be disregarded.