David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The committee will now discuss the heads of the gambling control Bill. We are joined by Mr. David Hickson, director of the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland; Ms Catherine Colloms, director of corporate affairs and Mr. David Johnston, group general counsel, Paddy Power plc; Ms Susannah Gill, head of projects and policy, Betfair; Ms Sue Rossiter, director of projects and policy, Remote Gambling Association; Mr. Don Bird, director, Mr. Chris Piper, director, Association of Irish Showmans Guild; Ms Sharon Byrne, chairperson, Mr. Joe Lewins, vice chairman, Irish Bookmakers Association; Mr. Barry Quinn and Mr. Hugh Boyle, officials from the Department of Justice and Equality.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of witnesses to the situation on privilege. They should note they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they 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 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 nor make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members should also be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. David Hickson, the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, to make his opening statement.