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

I welcome, from the Arts Council, Professor Kevin Rafter and Ms Maureen Kennelly. The format of the meeting is that I will invite Professor Rafter to make his opening statement, which will be followed by questions from members of the committee.

As the witnesses are aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on the website following the meeting. I would like them 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 any such direction.

We must finish a little earlier today, at 3.30 p.m., for voting in the convention centre. I ask members to confine themselves to two minutes each to ask questions or make observations after the statements, and then to conclude, rather than having back and forth questions. This is to ensure everyone gets ample opportunity. I ask Professor Rafter to make his opening statement.