Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The next matter is a meeting with the chairpersons designate of Fáilte Ireland, the Shannon Group and Waterford Port. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones completely as they interfere with recording equipment. This is very important because it interferes with the audio systems. I welcome Ms Rose Hynes, chairperson designate of the Shannon Group; Mr. Michael Cawley, chairperson designate of Fáilte Ireland; and Mr. Des Whelan, chairperson designate of the Port of Waterford Company.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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 the witnesses to make their opening statements, starting with Ms Hynes.