Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's engagement is to hear the views of three sporting organisations, the Football Association of Ireland, FAI, the Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA, and the Irish Rugby Football Union, IRFU, on the sponsorship of major sports events by the alcoholic drinks industry. The committee will hold further meetings on this issue with other interested groups next month.

I welcome Mr. Páraic Duffy, árd stiúrthóir of the GAA, Mr. Philip Browne, chief executive of the IRFU, and Mr. John Delaney, chief executive of the FAI. On behalf of the committee I acknowledge the vital role the three organisations play in the activities of a swathe of young people across the country. We very much acknowledge the leadership they have given, particularly at this point in the country's development and given its difficulties.

I wish to draw the delegates' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I also wish to advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 propose that we will start by hearing the IRFU representative first and we will then take Mr. John Delaney of the FAI followed by Mr. Páraic Duffy of the GAA. After hearing the three presentations we will then go back to the members in the usual format, as already agreed by the committee. I now invite Mr. Browne to address the committee.