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

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with representatives of the Irish Hotels Federation and the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland on the contributions these important sectors of the economy make to the tourism industry. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Stephen McNally and Mr. Tim Fenn from the Irish Hotels Federation and Mr. Donall O'Keeffe and Mr. Padraig Cribben from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.
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 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise any submission or opening statement given 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
The delegates are most welcome and I call on Mr. Fenn to make his opening remarks.