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

This session has been convened to enable the chairman designate of the Museum of Modern Art, Mr. David Harvey, to address the committee on the role he will play as chairman and his views on the future contribution of the Museum of Modern Art.

I draw 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 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 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.

It is proposed that the opening statements and any other documents witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

On behalf of the committee I invite Mr. Harvey to make his opening address.