Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones or switch them to flight mode. Mobile phones interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming is also adversely affected.

The first part of our meeting, session A, has been convened to discuss a value for money report and policy review of the Arts Council and related matters. It is proposed that if not previously concluded, session A will be brought to a conclusion at 3.45 p.m. Is this agreed? Agreed.

I welcome Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary, and Ms Deirdre Mahony, evaluation unit, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I also welcome Ms Orlaith McBride, director of the Arts Council, and Professor John O'Hagan, professor of economics at Trinity College, Dublin and chairman of the steering committee.

I draw their 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. However, if directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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. It is proposed that opening statements and any other documents witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published by it on its website after this meeting. Is this agreed? Agreed.

I call Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh to make his opening statement and to introduce the witnesses in his company.