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

This afternoon's meeting is to discuss the Government plans and plans throughout the State for commemorative events in the period 2020-23. It is appropriate since we are in the final month of this decade and facing into several years of major commemorative events. It will be of great value to the committee, and, I hope, to the public, to discuss the plans that exist for the coming years.

I welcome Dr. Maurice Manning and Dr. Martin Mansergh from the expert advisory group. Gabhaim buíochas dóibh uile as ucht a bheith i láthair, agus as ucht a dtacaíocht. From the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I welcome Mr. Conor Falvey, assistant secretary, culture division, and Mr. Kevin Lonergan, principal officer, commemorations on cultural policy and institutions. From Tipperary County Council giving the voice of local authorities is Ms Róisin O’Grady, heritage officer and creative Ireland and commemorations co-ordinator. I hope the meeting will be of value to us,them and the wider public.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of your 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 your 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. The opening statements and any other documents that they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the 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.

The opening statements should not exceed five minutes. They have been circulated to members and will be available on the Internet following the meeting. Tosóimid leis na experts. Glaoim ar an Dochtúir Maurice Manning chun a chur i láthair a dhéanamh.