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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with representatives of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, IABA, and Sport Ireland on the recent controversy surrounding the departure of Mr. Billy Walsh from his position as head coach of the high performance unit. The committee's role is to establish the facts surrounding Mr. Walsh's departure from his position. While we realise we cannot change what has taken place, we hope we will all learn from this process in order that matters are dealt with in a transparent manner in future. We all agree that this scenario should not be allowed to happen again and procedures and processes should be put in place to facilitate the smooth running of all sporting organisations.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, Mr. Joe Christle, chairman of the board of directors; Mr. Pat Ryan, president; Mr. Fergal Carruth, CEO; and Mr. Ciaran Kirwan, director. I welcome from Sport Ireland, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, chairperson designate; Mr. John Treacy, chief executive; Mr. Bernard Allen, chairperson of the national governing bodies, NGB, grants committee; and Mr. Liam Sheedy, chairperson of the high performance committee and board member.

I draw the witnesses' 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 their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings should be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee 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.

I invite Mr. Joe Christle to make his opening statement.