Chairman:

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for attending. We are here to discuss the issue of alleged sexual harassment in the arts and culture sector, with a particular focus on policies, provisions, structures and procedures that can be put in place to address the issue. Cuirim fáilte roimh Ms Katherine Licken, Secretary General of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Feargal Ó Coigligh, Uasal, culture division, and Mr. Conor Falvey, corporate division; from the Arts Council Ms Orlaith McBride, Ms Sheila Pratschke and Mr. Martin O'Sullivan; and from Equity Ireland, Mr. Pádraig Murray, Ms Ann Russell and Ms Karan O'Loughlin, full-time organiser. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as teacht anseo inniu.

Before we begin, I will read out directions as to how witnesses and members should approach the way in which they address today's topic. This is particularly important given the seriousness of the issues we are to discuss, so I ask witnesses and members to stick very rigidly to it. Before I ask them to address the committee, I draw to the witnesses' attention 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 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 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. I also advise witnesses that their opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee 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.

I now ask Ms Katherine Licken to make her presentation.