Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This meeting has been convened with representatives from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, RTÉ, TG4, Screen Ireland, Community Television Association of Ireland and Virgin Media Television to discuss future business model, plans and long-term vision for the media sector in television and film. On behalf of the committee, I warmly welcome the witnesses. From the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, I welcome Celene Craig, CEO, who is joined by Stephanie Comey, assistant chief executive, and, remotely, by Liam Boyle, senior manager. We congratulate Ms Craig on the announcement of her appointment to the role of broadcasting commissioner and look forward to engaging constructively with her. From RTÉ television I welcome Rory Coveney, director of strategy, and Adrian Lynch, director of audience, channels and marketing. Cuirim fáilte roimh ard-stiúrthóir TG4, Alan Esslemont. From Screen Ireland, I welcome Désirée Finnegan, CEO, and Andrew Byrne, head of television. From the Community Television Association of Ireland I welcome Ciaran Murray, chairperson, and Emma Bowell, treasurer. From Virgin Media Television, I welcome managing director, Paul Farrell, joined by deputy managing director, Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin. That is a lot of witnesses. Usually the introductions are not that long but we will plough on.

The format of the meeting is such that I will invite the witnesses to deliver their opening statements, which are limited to three minutes. This will be followed by questions from members. As witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its web page. Before inviting the witnesses to deliver those statements, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the House as regards references witnesses 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. Witnesses who give evidence from outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within said precincts and may consider 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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 of the constitutional requirement that they be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to attend where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to attend from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I propose that we proceed with the opening statements, starting with Celene Craig from BAI.