Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today's meeting of the committee has been convened to consider governance and culture issues at RTÉ. We are meeting with the trade union groups to discuss those issues. The joint committee is empowered to consider the legislation, policy, governance, expenditure and administration of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media or a State body for which that Department is responsible. RTÉ is such a body.

Given the issues we are discussing, I will take this opportunity at the outset of the meeting to request that members and witnesses refrain from discussing individual cases, including those that may be the subject of legal proceedings. It is envisaged that today's proceedings will remain focused on policy. While people may refer to those matters in a general sense, I ask that members in particular not identify any specific individual cases.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses are regards references that witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. I ask the witnesses to bear with me for just as a moment as we go through the legal terms and conditions. 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 in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, to ensure that it is not abused. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any 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 that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are also reminded of the 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 or her identifiable. I again remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to attend where her or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Where members are attending remotely, I ask them to please confirm that they are attending from Leinster House before making any contribution via Microsoft Teams. Any member who attempts to attend from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I emphasise to members and witnesses alike that it is imperative that today's meeting is conducted in a fair and respectful manner at all times. I will intervene in any exchanges where I deem this not to be the case. That is the terms and conditions out of the way.

I thank our witnesses for coming along today. As they will be aware, we have been dealing with issues around culture and governance at RTÉ before this meeting.

We have been particularly focused on the long-term future of broadcasting and the wider media. As such, it is important that we hear the voices of staff and their representative organisations. Therefore, I welcome the witnesses. Mr. Séamus Dooley, who has been with us many times before, is the Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists. I congratulate him on his recent elevation to Offaly Person of the Year. I welcome Ms Emma O'Kelly, chair of the Dublin broadcasting branch of the NUJ, Mr. Brian Nolan, the assistant general secretary of Connect Trade Union, Mr. John Reynolds, electrician and camera technician at RTÉ and shop steward with Connect Trade Union, Ms Teresa Hannick, divisional organiser in SIPTU's services division, Mr. Zac Sloper, SIPTU shop steward and chair of the SIPTU committee in RTÉ, and Mr. Brendan Byrne, regional officer with Unite the Union.

The format of today’s meeting is such that I will invite each of our witnesses to make an opening statement of a maximum of five minutes, followed by questions from members. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish their opening statements on its web page, if that is agreed.

I propose that we proceed with the opening statements. The floor is Ms O’Kelly’s.