Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Malcolm Byrne and Deputy Brendan Griffin, who might join us during the meeting. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the meeting. Television and web streaming will also be adversely affected.

We have with us representatives from the Tourism Recovery Taskforce to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector, which we know is vast and startling throughout the country, particularly as we move to level 5 tonight. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Ruth Andrews, chair of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, whose report I have had the opportunity to read. I also welcome two other representatives of the tourism sector, Mr. Seán Connick, managing director of the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Kennedy Homestead in New Ross, County Wexford; and Mr. Paul Gallagher, general manager of Buswells Hotel. Those of us who are rural Deputies will often have stayed in Buswells and are very glad of the good accommodation it provides.

Two of our witnesses are attending remotely. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Ms Andrews to make a brief opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session with members of the committee. Ms Andrews will note that the committee may publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

It is important to note there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Please note that the constitutional protections afforded to witnesses presenting in person in Leinster House may not be extended to those presenting remotely. No clear guidance can be given at this point as to whether or not absolute privilege is extended to evidence given on matters of a statutory nature. Therefore, if witnesses are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. I am sure that will not affect our witnesses too much today. Witnesses 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 invite Ms Andrews to make her opening statement.