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

This meeting with representatives from the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, MEAI, has been convened to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the entertainment sector. I welcome Mr. Jackie Conboy, a co-founder of the MEAI, and his colleague, Mr. Matt McGranaghan. They will be joining us remotely via Microsoft Teams. The format of the meeting is that I will invite our witnesses to make their opening statements which will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As our guests are probably aware, the committee may publish their opening statements on its website following the meeting. I am afraid members will have to listen to some housekeeping rules again if that is all right. Our guests opening statements will be limited to three minutes.

I must advise our guests of the following with respect to parliamentary privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and I ask they comply. As our witnesses are attending remotely from outside of the Leinster House campus, they should note that there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does.

I invite Mr. Conboy to make his opening statement on behalf of the MEAI.