Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Tóibín. I advise members of the committee to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and will interfere with the broadcasting of the meeting. Being discussed by the committee today is the issue of supporting and facilitating the arts. I welcome the witnesses who have come to discuss this matter. I can see that some of them have travelled a long distance. From the Galway International Arts Festival we have John Crumlish, chief executive, and Paul Fahy. From Tyrone Guthrie Centre we have Adrian Moynes, chair, and Robert McDonald. From the Kilkenny Arts Festival we have Eugene Downes, director, and Olga Barry. From Listowel Writers' Week we have Máire Logue and Catherine Moylan.

Before I ask the witnesses to address the meeting, I draw their 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 their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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. I advise the witnesses that the opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The presentations from the witnesses have been circulated to the members. I remind witnesses that their presentations should not exceed five minutes in duration. To commence our discussion, I invite the representatives of the Galway International Arts Festival to make their presentation.