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

I remind witnesses and members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system.

I draw the attention of members and witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 they 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 advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on its 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 or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to engage with Mr. Paul Holden, chairperson designate of the Digital Hub Development Agency, in order to discuss the approach he proposes to take, if and when reappointed to the role, and his views on the challenges currently facing the body. Members are well aware of the Government's decision of May 2011, which put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. Reference to this arrangement is also made in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on appointments to State boards of November 2014. In 2016, the programme for Government suggested that nominees for chairs of State boards will be required to engage with the relevant Oireachtas committee prior to their appointment. This committee welcomes the opportunity to meet with the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views and we trust that this provides greater transparency to the process of appointment to our State boards and bodies.

I welcome Mr. Holden and invite him to address the committee.