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

We now proceed to No. 9 on the agenda, engagement with the chairperson designate of Fáilte Ireland, Mr. Michael Cawley. I apologise to Mr. Cawley for the number of absent members. There is a great deal going on in the Houses today, but perhaps we can assume that these absences mean there is universal approval for his appointment. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the approach the chairperson designate will take in his proposed new role and his views on the challenges facing Fáilte Ireland. Members will be aware of the Government decision of May 2011 which put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet with the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views. We trust that this engagement will provide greater transparency to the process of appointment to State boards and bodies.

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 the joint committee. However, 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Opening statements 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. Cawley to make his opening statement.