Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, staff, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones which, as they are aware, interfere with the sound system. For the information of witnesses, it is important that there is nothing lying on top of the microphones. The submissions, opening statements and any other document supplied by the witnesses to the committee in advance will be published on its website after the meeting.

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 joint committee. However, if 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 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

First, we will engage with the chairman designate of Pobal. In accordance with the guidelines in place for the appointment of chairpersons to State boards and bodies, the joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate to hear his views on the approach he will take to his role as chairman, the future contribution of Pobal and his strategic priorities for the role. Later in the meeting we will hear from the chief executive office of Pobal.

On behalf of the committee I welcome Dr. Deiric Ó Broin and invite him to make his opening statement.