Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome from CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Ms Bridget Webster, executive producer and CEO; from the Arts Council, Mr. Davide Terlingo, head of circus, dance and street arts and spectacle, and Ms Liz Meaney, arts director; from Dance Theatre of Ireland, Mr. Robert Connor; Ms Loretta Yurick, co-artistic director; and from Firkin Dance Company, Dr. Catherine Foley, board member; and Ms Patricia Crosby, board member.

Before I ask the witnesses to address the meeting, I remind them 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.

I ask Ms Webster to make her presentation. She has to leave at 2.45 p.m. to be in Galway this evening, so we will facilitate her.