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

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are completely turned off as they affect the broadcasting system.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Greyhound Industry Bill 2017. I welcome members from the Irish Greyhound Board, Mr. Phil Meaney, chairman, Dr. Seán Brady, interim chief executive, Mr. Pat Herbert, head of regulation, Mr. Barry Coleman, welfare and racing operations support manager, and Mr. Frank Nyhan and Dr. Colm Gaynor, board members. Mr. Joe Lewins is also present in the Gallery. I thank the members of the board for coming before the committee to discuss the heads of the Bill.

I wish to bring to the attention of our guests 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Meaney to deliver his opening statement.