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

I advise members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and hence the broadcasting of this meeting. An chúis leis an gcruinniú seo ná chun an Vóta Meastacháin 33, Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta a phlé leis an Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the mid-year review of the 2019 Estimates for Vote 33, in respect of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with the Minister and Minister of State at said Department. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Madigan, the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, and the officials from the Department to this meeting. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire, an Aire Stáit, agus na hoifigí as ucht a bheith anseo agus na hábhair a chur os ár gcomhair.

Before I ask them to address the meeting, I remind the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any opening statements or other documents that have been 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.

As members will be aware, Vote 33 - Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, comprises four programmes as follows: programme A, culture; programme B, heritage; programme C, Irish language, Gaeltacht and islands; and programme D, North-South co-operation. The Minister will make her opening statement covering programmes A, B and D and the Minister of State will subsequently speak. I will invite member's questions on programmes A, B and D. On conclusion of those questions, the Minister of State will answer questions on programme C. Freagróidh sé ceisteanna ar a chlár suí agus ansin beidh ceisteanna againn ar an gclár sin. Members should indicate the subhead number to which they are referring when asking questions. The list of subheads has been circulated.

I now invite the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan to make her opening statement.