Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullen is substituting for Senator Boyhan. Ms Tara Kelly is standing in as clerk to the committee today in the absence of our clerk, who is down with Covid. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to turn off their mobile phones.

The purpose of this meeting is to examine strategic priorities for Horse Racing Ireland, HRI. The committee will hear from Ms Suzanne Eade, chief executive of HRI, and her officials. Since 28 February, the legal requirement of mask-wearing in all settings has been removed. However, it is still good practice to continue to use face masks or coverings, particularly in crowded areas. The service encourages all members of the parliamentary community to wear face masks when moving around the campus and in close proximity to others.

I must read the note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses to give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting when they participate from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

The committee will hear from Ms Eade, chief executive of HRI, Mr. Jason Morris, director of racing and strategic projects, and Mr. John Osborne, equine welfare and bloodstock director. I call on Ms Eade to make her opening statement.