Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and people who may come into the Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. Members are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting mobile phones are turned off completely and switched to aeroplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device. It is not sufficient for members to just place their phones in silent mode as this will maintain the level of interference with the broadcasting system.

We are meeting this afternoon with the representatives from East Border Region, EBR, to hear about their work and the challenges they face. In particular, I welcome Ms Pamela Arthurs, CEO, Alderman Arnold Hatch, vice chairman, Ms Dette Hughes, Councillor P.J. O’Hanlon, Councillor Terry Andrews, Councillor Sharon Keogan and Alderman Alan McDowell. We have apologies from Councillor Damien O'Reilly. The format of the meeting is that we will hear opening statements before going into a question and answer session with the members of the committee.

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 they 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. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Ms Arthurs to make her opening statement.