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

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. I am looking forward to this part of today's hearing. I welcome the witnesses who are joining us, albeit remotely. They are Mary O'Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport; Dr. Una May, director of participation and ethics, Sport Ireland; and Dr. May's colleague from Sport Ireland, Ms Nora Stapleton, the lead on women in sport.

The format of the meeting is such that I will invite witnesses to make an opening statement, which will be followed by questions from the members of the committee. The committee may publish the opening statements on its website following the meeting. Witnesses' statements are to be limited to five minutes.

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. As our witnesses are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus today, they should note that 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 who is physically present. Such witnesses may believe it appropriate to take legal advice on this 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions.

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. I remind members and witnesses to identify themselves when contributing to the debate for the sake of the Debates Office staff preparing the Official Report. I ask contributors to mute their microphones when not contributing to reduce the background noise and, if at all possible, to switch off their mobile phones. I remind everyone, particularly witnesses, to use the raise-hand button if they want to make a comment or statement.

I now call on the witnesses to make their opening statements, beginning with Ms O'Connor on behalf of the Federation of Irish Sport.