Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and all observers to please turn off their mobile phones. I welcome representatives from the Turf Club - Mr. Denis Egan, chief executive, Mr. Neville O'Byrne, senior steward and Mr. Michael Hickey, senior steward of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. I thank them for coming before the committee to discuss the heads of the Bill before us.

Although the witnesses were previously in the Gallery I am obliged to remind them about privilege. 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 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I invite Mr. Egan to make his opening statement.