Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Members and delegates should note that Deputy Clare Daly will substitute for Deputy Thomas Pringle. Mobile phones should be switched off completely, including in the Visitors Gallery, as they affect the communications system.

I welcome from Horse Racing Ireland Mr. Brian Kavanagh, chief executive officer; Ms Suzanne Eade, chief financial officer; and Mr. Jason Morris, director of racing. I thank them for appearing before the joint committee to discuss with members the systems, governance and procedures in Horse Racing Ireland.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its website after 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 Mr. Kavanagh to make his opening statement.