Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The first session is with Professor Kevin Rafter, chairman designate of the Arts Council, and Ms Orlaith McBride, director of the Arts Council. I thank them for their attendance.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 also advise them that their opening statements and any other document they have submitted to the committee may 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 ask everyone, including those in the Visitors Gallery, to turn off their mobile phones if they have not done so thus far. I invite Professor Rafter to make his presentation.