Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To assist us with our consideration, the committee welcomes Ms Orlaith McBride, director of the Arts Council; Ms Sheila Pratschke, chair of the Arts Council; and Mr. Martin O'Sullivan, finance director. From the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, we welcome Mr. Fergal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary; Ms Sinead Copeland, principal officer; and Ms Mary Nash, principal officer. Cuirim fáilte mhór rompu agus gabhaim míle buíochas leo as teacht anseo inniu.

I draw the attention of 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 committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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, persons 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 wish to also advise that any opening statement or documents witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Chun tús a chur leis an chómhra, tugaimid cuireadh don Chomhairle Ealaíon a ráiteas a dhéanamh. I would like to ask the Arts Council to make its presentation.