Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Éamon Ó Cuív, Martin Heydon and Pat Deering. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome Mr. John Moloney, chairman designate of Coillte Teoranta, and thank him for taking time to come to the meeting of the joint committee.

I wish to draw to attention the fact that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses 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 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 they 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members will be aware of the new arrangement that a chairman designate come before the relevant committee before he or she becomes chairman. The members are interested in hearing from Mr. Moloney on his approach to his role as chairman, his vision and priorities and his views on the challenges that face the company. I invite Mr. Moloney to make his opening statement.