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

Táimid í seisiún poiblí arís, le cúnamh Dé. Cuirim fáilte mhór roimh an Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, an Teachta Madigan, agus roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta McHugh, agus na hoifigigh ón Roinn freisin. Before the Minister addresses the meeting, I draw attention 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 the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the 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.

Chun tús a chur leis an gcomhrá, tugaim cuireadh don Aire, an Teachta Madigan, a cur i láthair a dhéanamh anois. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.