Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from Sport Ireland Mr. John Treacy, chief executive officer, CEO; Mr. Kieran Mulvey, chairman; and Mr. Colm McGinty, director of strategic programmes. Tá fáilte roimh. Caithfidh mé é seo a léamh i gcónaí.

Before we commence and for the purpose of the witnesses attending, in accordance with procedure, I am required to read the following. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009 witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 are 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. John Treacy, CEO of Sports Ireland, to make his opening presentation.