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

Cuirim fáilte roimh gach uile dhuine. Gabhaim míle buíochas leo as teacht isteach inniu agus as an turas a rinne siad go dtí Teach Laighean. I welcome Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, assistant secretary at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Tania Banotti, Creative Ireland programme director, and Ms Sinéad Copeland. I also welcome Mr. Eamonn Moran and Mr. Daniel Kearns from the Department of Education and Skills who will respond to questions arising.

Before we begin, I must 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 their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise the witness that any opening statements and any other documents 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Tugaim cuireadh don Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta a cur i láthair a dhéanamh. I invite representatives from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to make their presentation.