Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Committee on Budgetary Oversight

Scrutiny of Tax Expenditures: Screen Producers Ireland

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we commence, I remind members and witnesses that we must conclude this part of our meeting by 3.15 p.m. because we have other work to do. I also remind them to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome the representatives from Screen Producers Ireland, Ms Elaine Geraghty, Ms Siobhán Ward and Mr. Stephen Rooke and thank for attending.

I draw the attention of our guests 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 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Geraghty to make her opening statement.

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