Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones. The purpose of this morning's meeting is an engagement with designated chairmen. I welcome Mr. Matt Dempsey, chairman designate of the Irish National Stud and Mr. Joe Keeling, chairman designate of Horse Racing Ireland. I thank them both for their attendance.

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses 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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing 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 invite Mr. Dempsey to make his presentation. The committee is interested in hearing the approach he proposes to take as chairperson and his vision and priorities for the challenges facing the company.