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

We shall now discuss the topic of what it takes to sustain a viable rural community with representatives of FORUM Connemara, Teagasc and Irish Rural Link. I thank them for attending. Tá fáilte mór romhaibh teacht anseo inniu. We are in the process of developing a report on how to create viable rural communities. We are meeting approximately 49 groups from around the country. We hope to have one of the most in-depth documents and reports on how to build viable rural communities. What we are really asking delegates is that they give us a good picture of what is happening and recommendations on what should happen so we can include them in our report. Representatives of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael were also invited to attend the meeting but they were unable to do so.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents submitted may be published on the committee website after this 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 in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will continue with our investigation. Stream 4 concerns the quality of life in rural areas. Since the representatives of Irish Rural Link took their seats first, I invite them to make their presentation first.