Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This afternoon we will discuss matters relating to RTÉ arising from the appropriation accounts 2016 and Vote 29 - the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. More than 40% of the Department's expenditure goes to RTÉ so we will engage with it to help us understand how this public funding is used. We are joined today from RTÉ by Ms Dee Forbes, director-general, who is very welcome. I believe it is her first time to come before the Committee of Public Accounts. From RTÉ we also have Mr. Jim Jennings, director of content, Ms Breda O'Keeffe, chief financial officer and Ms Eimear Cusack, director of human resources. From the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment we are joined by Ms Patricia Cronin, assistant secretary and Ms Barbara Leeson, principal officer. They are all very welcome to today's meeting.

I remind witnesses, members and those in the public Gallery that all mobile phones should be turned off, which means putting them in aeroplane mode. Putting them on silent is not adequate because they will interfere with the recording system.

I advise witnesses 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 this committee. 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 that evidence. Witnesses 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 of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol for Oireachtas Éireann.

I ask Ms Forbes for her opening statement.