Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members about the rules regarding the use of mobile phones. The meeting has been convened for the purpose of the consideration by the committee of a report by the Irish Music Rights Organisation on the socio-economic contributions of music to the Irish economy. It is proposed that this part of the meeting will conclude at approximately 3.30 p.m., after which there will be a break of five minutes. We will resume in private session at approximately 3.35 p.m.

I welcome the following witnesses from the Irish Music Rights Organisation, IMRO: Mr. Victor Finn, chief executive officer; Mr. Brendan Griffin, director of licensing; and Mr. Keith Johnson, director of marketing and membership. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 committee. However, 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. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they 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, 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. It is proposed that all opening statements and any other documents the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.