Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 November 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Promoting Nightlife, Economy and Culture: Discussion

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

I welcome the speakers for the second session, namely, Mr. Ray Yeates, city arts officer, Mr. John O'Hara, city planner and Ms Mary McSweeney, senior executive officer, deputy head of enterprise and economic development from Dublin City Council, and Ms Martina Colville assistant secretary, head of civil legislation at the Department of Justice and Equality.

Before I ask the witnesses to address the meeting, I draw their attention 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.

I also advise them that their opening statements and any documents that they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask those making opening statements to keep them to about five minutes. The presentations have been circulated to members and will be available online after the meeting. I invite Mr. Ray Yeates, city arts officer to make his presentation.

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