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

The purpose of this segment is to meet representatives of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation, who are here to inform the committee about the current state of play in the Irish tourism industry. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from Tourism Ireland Mr. Peter Nash, head of strategic development and insights, and Ms Monica MacLaverty, head of overseas marketing for The Gathering Ireland 2013; from Fáilte Ireland, Mr. Shaun Quinn, chief executive, and Mr. Aidan Pender, director and strategic development; and from the Irish Hotels Federation, Mr. Tim Fenn, chief executive, and Mr. Michael Vaughan, president.

I draw the witnesses' 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 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise them that their opening statements will be put on the committee's website after the meeting. Members are also 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.

With the housekeeping out of the way, we can continue with the presentations. I ask that each group limit its presentation to eight or ten minutes. If speakers wish to share time, that is fine. If it is okay with members, we will hear the three presentations first and take questions afterwards.