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

I am delighted to welcome our guests. This meeting has been convened with representatives from the Irish Theatre Institute, Safe Arts of Ireland and the Arts Council to discuss a safe and respectful working environment in the arts. On behalf of the committee, I warmly welcome Ms Jane Daly and Ms Siobhán Bourke, co-directors of the Irish Theatre Institute; Ms Ciara Lynch and Ms Jessica Traynor, Safe Arts of Ireland; and Ms Maureen Kennelly, director, and Ms Liz Meaney, arts director of the Arts Council. I will invite witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which are limited to three minutes. This will then be followed by questions from members of the committee. As witnesses will probably be aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its web page following today's meeting.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected by the Constitution and statute by absolute 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory to any identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with this direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are also reminded that the provisions in Standing Orders in relation to matters that are sub judiceplace an onus on members to avoid, if at all possible, comment that might affect or prejudice the outcome of proceedings or further proceedings before the courts.

I also remind members of the constitutional requirements that they must be physically present in the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to attend otherwise. I ask members to identify themselves when contributing via Microsoft Teams for the benefit of the Debates Office staff preparing the Official Report, and to mute their microphones when not contributing in order to reduce background noise and feedback. I also ask everyone to put their phones on silent or airplane mode, or to switch them off.

I know Ms Kennelly has to leave us early because she has to attend a plenary meeting of the Arts Council. We understand that and it is fine. I invite her to make her opening statement.