Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This meeting has been convened with representatives of Cycling Ireland and Sport Ireland to discuss governance and related issues in Cycling Ireland. From Cycling Ireland, I welcome the vice president, Dr. Tom Daly, and a board member, Ms Helen Kerrane, who are joining us in the committee room. From Sport Ireland, I welcome Dr. Una May, chief executive, and Mr. Paul McDermott, director of high performance and national governing bodies. I will invite our witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which are limited to five minutes. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. The committee may publish the opening statements on its web page.

Before I ask our witnesses to deliver their opening statements, I will explain some limitations regarding parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both 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. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in regard 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 that they should not criticise, comment on 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 of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings.

I remind all those joining us today to ensure their mobile telephones are on silent mode or switched off.

I now call Dr. May.