Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss the nomination of Ms Sheila Pratschke as chairman of the Arts Council. I welcome Ms Pratschke and congratulate her on her nomination. I thank her for her attendance today.

I am obliged to read out the following caution regarding the protection of witnesses at meetings. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documentation you supply to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting has concluded.

Members of the committee 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 Ms Pratschke to address the committee.