Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is our final session. I welcome Mr. Phil Meaney, Irish Greyhound Board; Ms Geraldine Larkin, chief executive officer; Mr. Mike Murnane, chief financial officer; and Mr. Colm Gaynor, board member. I thank them for appearing before the committee to discuss issues relating to the greyhound industry.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I understand there will be two presentations. I invite Mr. Meaney to make his opening statement, to be followed by Ms Larkin.