Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, the Minister of State with responsibility for regional economic development, Deputy Michael Ring, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht affairs and natural resources, Deputy Seán Kyne. From the Department I welcome Mr. Seosamh Ó hÁghmaill, Ard-Runaí, Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú, leas runaí, Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, leas runaí, Mr. William Parnell, principal officer, Mr. Conor Falvey, head of finance, Mr. J. P. Mulherin, Mr. Joe Healy and Ms Breda Moynihan. I thank them for their attendance.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise witnesses that opening statements or any other documentation submitted to the committee will be published on its website following 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, to make her opening statement.