Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This meeting has been convened to discuss, with representatives from FairPlé, MiseFosta and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, a safe and respectful working environment in the arts. I welcome our witnesses to the meeting. I welcome Dr. Karan Casey, co-founder of FairPlé; Ms Anna Ní Nualláin, co-founder of MiseFosta; and Ms Siobhán Ní Chonaráin of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. I also welcome: from FairPlé, co-founders Ms Joanne Cusack and Ms Niamh Ní Charra; from MiseFosta, co-founder Mr. Andrew Jackson; and from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Ms Majella Bartley, ardchláraitheoir, and Mr. Tomás Ó Maoldomhnaigh, ardrunaí.

The format of the meeting is such that I will invite our witnesses to make their opening statements. These will be followed by questions from members of the committee. The committee may publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting. Before I invite witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which are limited to three minutes each, I advise them of the following in relation 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 a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, he or she will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that her or she complies with any such direction.

As some of our witnesses are attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus, please note there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present.

Witnesses participating in this session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are also reminded that the provisions of Standing Orders, in relation to matters which are sub judice, place an onus on members to avoid, if at all possible, comment which might, in effect, prejudice the outcome of proceedings. Therefore, I will not permit any discussion or questioning which relates to any current litigation or investigation in the course of this meeting.

I call on our witnesses to make their opening statements, for which they have three minutes. I call Dr. Karan Casey from FairPlé.