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

I welcome Mr. Vincent Crowley and Mr. Frank Mulrennan and thank them for joining us. We are delighted to have them. Today's discussion is with representatives from NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland on the challenges facing national and regional newspapers as a result of Covid-19. Mr. Mulrennan, an executive member of Local Ireland, joins us in committee room 3 and Mr. Johnny O'Hanlon, the director of Local Ireland, will join us remotely. Mr. Crowley is the chairman of NewsBrands Ireland. We will also be joined by Ms Ann-Marie Lehane, CEO of NewsBrands Ireland; Mr. Liam Kavanagh, managing director of The Irish Times; and Mr. Colm O'Reilly, CEO of the Business Post.

The format of this meeting is that witnesses will be invited to make an opening statement, which will be followed by questions from the members of the committee. Witnesses are probably aware that the committee may publish the opening statements on its website following 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.

Witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I invite Mr. Crowley to make his opening statement, after which we will hear from Mr. Mulrennan.