Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss the Indecon report on Bord na gCon. I welcome the representatives from Bord na gCon: Mr. Phil Meaney, chairman, Ms Geraldine Larkin, chief executive officer, Mr. Michael Murnane, chief finance officer, Mr. Joe Lewins, head of wagering, and Ms Hilary Forde, head of compliance.

I thank all of the witnesses for appearing before the joint committee today and remind everybody to switch off their mobile telephones. Today, we are discussing the review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon - the Indecon report - which was published in July.
Before we begin, I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 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 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 now invite Mr. Meaney to make his opening statement, which will be followed by an opening statement by Ms Larkin.