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

Deputy Mattie McGrath is very welcome. I am glad he could join us as I know he was busy in the convention centre this morning.

I request that members sit only in the permitted seats and in front of available microphones to ensure they are heard. This is important as not doing so can cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff. I remind members to please maintain social distance all times during and following the meeting. Members are requested to use wipes and hand sanitisers provided to clean the seats and desks to supplement the regular sanitisation that is ongoing between meetings. I remind members that the committee must vacate the room as quickly as possible at 4 o’clock as there may be meetings afterwards. If members wish to speak to our guests, they can do so outside in the lobby.

I welcome the representatives from Sport Ireland and thank them for their attendance today. I acknowledge this has been an exceptionally difficult year for sporting organisations and that Sport Ireland has been to the forefront in addressing this crisis and the challenges facing governing bodies and many individual clubs. The supports put in place are considerable. A €85 million funding package was announced earlier this month for the Irish sports sector. It contains many positive elements, including funding for governing bodies and clubs to address Covid-related losses, additional funding for the GAA, and dedicated funding for disability and other adult sports. All of this is welcome and timely in the context of the losses experienced during Covid-19. However, we are entering into an important phase which requires careful consideration.

I am delighted to welcome our guests, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, chairman of the board of Sport Ireland, along with his colleague, chief executive of Sport Ireland, Mr. John Treacy. The format of the meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to make opening statements, which have been provided and circulated to members. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on the Oireachtas website following the meeting. Mr. Mulvey will begin on the topic of his key priorities in his role as chairman of the board of Sport Ireland, followed by Mr. Treacy who will address matters relating to Covid-19 and the impact on the sector.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House, or an official, by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I would like the witnesses to note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make in the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they might say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to identifying a person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with such direction.

With the formalities over, I call on Mr. Mulvey to make his presentation to the committee. This will be followed by Mr. Treacy's presentation.