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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to engage with the chairperson designate of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and discuss the approach he proposes to take when he is appointed to the role and his views on the challenges facing the authority. Members are well aware of the Government decision in 2011 to bring the chairpersons designate of certain organisations before this committee. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Paraic Travers. I know he is busy in another capacity in relation to the junior certificate dispute at present. I draw his 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 the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I advise Dr. Travers that any submission or opening statement he makes to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Dr. Travers to make his opening remarks.