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

I welcome our witnesses. Unfortunately, they will be joining us remotely via Teams. We had hoped we would be able to have them here in person, but it is what it is and we have to carry on working remotely for the moment. I welcome Mr. Tom Ryan, director general, and his colleague, Mr. Donal Smyth, national match officials manager, Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA; Mr. Gerard Perry, chairperson, national referees committee, and his colleague, Mr. Ger McDermott, director of grassroots football, Football Association of Ireland, FAI; Mr. Dudley Phillips, head of referees, and his colleague, Ms Anne Marie Hughes, Spirit of Rugby programme manager, Irish Rugby Football Union; and Mr. Sean Slattery, vice president, Irish Soccer Referees Society.

I have some housekeeping to go through first and I hope the witnesses can bear with me while I do so. The format of the meeting is such that witnesses will be invited to make opening statements, which will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting. Before I invite the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which are limited to three minutes - a limit on which I will be as strict as possible in order to allow as much time as possible for questions, debate and discussion - I wish to explain some limitations in relation to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards references they make to other persons in their evidence.

The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, a number of witnesses are giving evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present would do. That is to remind witnesses they may think it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter.

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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their 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 such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. Members are also reminded that the provisions of Standing Orders, in relation to matters which are sub judice, place an onus on them 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. I also ask members to identify themselves when contributing for the benefit of the Debates Office staff preparing the Official Report and to please mute their microphone when not contributing to reduce the background noise and feedback. I ask members to use the raised hand function when they wish to contribute. I remind all those joining today's meeting to ensure their mobile phones are on silent or switched off.