Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In this session the joint committee will engage with RTÉ on its annual report for 2017, the independent review of the role and gender equality report and European Broadcasting Union peer review report.

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 Chairman 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. I advise that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will 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.

I welcome from RTÉ Ms Dee Forbes, director general; Ms Eimear Cusack, director of human resources; and Ms Breda O'Keeffe, chief financial officer. I invite Ms Forbes to make her opening statement.