Chairman:

Before we begin I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Visitors Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off for the duration of the meeting. It is not sufficient for members to put their phones on silent mode as this will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system.

I welcome Mr. Joe Keeling, chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland, Dr. Meta Osborne, vice chairperson, and Mr. Moloney and Mr. John Powell who are members of the board. I thank them for coming before the committee here today to discuss the issues surrounding the reappointment of the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland. I also welcome other board members to the Visitors Gallery.

Before we begin I am required to read the privilege notice. 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 they 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 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.

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.

Before I call on Mr. Keeling to make his opening statement, I understand that Dr. Osborne, vice chair, and other members of the board, Mr. Moloney and Mr. Powell, wish to make opening statements. Is that correct? Yes. The procedure is that I will ask them to make their opening statements then I will go to the members for three questions at a time and then I will revert back to the witnesses. Is that agreed? Agreed. I Invite Mr. Keeling to make his opening statement.