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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to discuss with representatives of RTE its strategic plan for the years from 2012 to 2017, which has been drawn up by RTE, and to address pay issues and matters arising from "The Saturday Night Show" which aired on 11 January last. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Noel Curran, director general; Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, deputy director general and managing director, RTE news and current affairs; Ms Breda O'Keeffe, chief financial officer; Mr. Brian Dalton, managing director, corporate development; and Mr. Eamonn Kennedy, solicitor, director of legal affairs at RTE.
I draw 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of 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 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 advise that the opening statements submitted to the joint committee will be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Mr. Curran to make his opening statement.