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

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to make sure their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting system.

We are here to discuss the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the greyhound industry Bill 2017. I welcome from Sport Ireland Dr. Una May, director of participation and ethics, and thank her for coming before the committee to discuss the heads of the Bill and issues relevant to this area. I thank her also for her written submission, which members have been examining for the past while.

I wish to bring to the attention of the witness that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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.

I now ask Dr. May to make her opening statement, after which I will take questions from the members.