Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our witnesses for the slight delay but I thank them for bearing with us. From committee room 2, I welcome Mr. John Treacy, CEO and Mr. Paul McDermott, director of national governing bodies, NGBs, and high performance, both from Sport Ireland. On video link from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in Kerry, I welcome Mr. John Kelly, acting assistant secretary and Mr. Noel Sheahan, principal officer. I welcome Mr. Peter Hogan, principal officer from the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht who is also in committee room 2.

Before we commence the formal proceedings, I advise the witnesses 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. This applies to witnesses who are physically present in the precincts of Leinster House. For those joining us by videolink, the matter is less clear because the extent of the privilege that is enjoyed has never been tested in court. In any event, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction. 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.

All of the opening statements have been circulated in advance. I ask witnesses to limit their statements to five minutes. I invite Mr. Kelly to make his opening statement.