Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív. I will read some formal notices for the information of our witnesses.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact 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 the committee. 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 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, where possible, 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, her or it identifiable.

I welcome Mr. Laurence Lord and Ms Miriam Delaney from the Free Market project; Mr. Denis McCarthy and Mr. Ollie Wilkinson from Cappoquin Community Development; Ms Annmarie McHugh and Mr. Gareth McMahon from Castleblayney Regeneration Committee; and Mr. Christy Leyden, Mr. Mike Foley and Mr. Gerry McMahon from Clarecastle Community Development. It is proposed that any opening statements, submissions or other documents supplied by witnesses or other bodies relating to the topic of this meeting be published on the committee website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

This is the first of two meetings on the topic of supporting rural towns and villages. Next week, we will hear from the Department of Rural and Community Development and six local authorities on progress so far with the pilot scheme. Today, we will hear from Free Market, which has interesting ideas on the character, history and future development of market towns in Ireland. We will also hear from three community development regeneration committees on their experience so far and their hopes for the future. The organisations are from Castleblayney, Cappoquin and Clarecastle. I invite the representatives of Free Market to make an opening statement.