John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will resume in public session. On behalf of the committee, I sincerely welcome Mr. John Purcell, Mr. Scott Williams, Ms Lisa Ní Choisdealbha and Mr. Tim Collins from Independent Broadcasters of Ireland as well as chief executives from independent radio stations throughout the country. Obviously, it is a milestone in broadcasting in Ireland and we look forward to engaging with the delegation and welcome it to a reception afterwards. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland in order to consider its many achievements over the past 25 years and to outline the strategic initiatives which will ensure the industry's continued success.
I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Mr. Purcell to make his opening remarks.