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

The joint committee is resumed in public session. We will now deal with item No. 9, engagement with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Representatives of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland are with us this morning to discuss the authority's recommendations on the future funding of public service broadcasting, published last July, and the report of May 2013, prepared by Crowe Howarth, entitled Review of Funding for Public Service Broadcasters. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Bob Collins, chairperson, Mr. Michael O'Keeffe, chief executive officer, and Ms Celine Craig, deputy chief executive officer of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

I draw the witnesses' attention 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 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 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. I also advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the 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 invite Mr. Collins, or Ms O'Keeffe, to make their opening remarks.