Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If, however, they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 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. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements the witnesses make to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Today's meeting follows a call for submissions on a full media merger examination of the proposed acquisition of Celtic Media by Independent News & Media plc, INM, by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the terms of the Competition Act 2002, as amended. I welcome our witnesses, who include academics and experts. We are joined by Professor Colum Kenny, who is attending in his capacity as emeritus professor of communications at Dublin City University and as a former member of the Independent Radio and Television Commission, now the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI. He was a member of the media mergers advisory group, whose report he co-authored. We are also joined by Dr. Michael Foley, emeritus research fellow from Dublin Institute of Technology, Dr. Roderick Flynn, school of communications, Dublin City University, Mr. Frank Mulrennan, CEO of Celtic Media Group, and Tadhg Carey, editor of the Westmeath Independentand Offaly Independent. Representing INM are Mr. Robert Pitt, CEO, and Mr. Gerry Lennon, managing director of INM regionals. From the National Union of Journalists, we have Mr. Séamus Dooley, secretary. It is proposed that the witnesses speak for five minutes and they will be followed by questions by the members. Questions must not exceed three minutes. Is that agreed? Agreed. I call Professor Kenny.