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

This meeting has been convened with representatives from Free Media Ireland to discuss the future business model plans and long-term vision for the media sector in print media and journalism. On behalf of the committee I warmly welcome our guests Mr. Jarlath Feeney from the Cork Independent, Mr. Peter Timmins from the Galway Advertiserand Mr. Will Ryan from the Limerick Post.The format of the meeting is such that I will invite opening statements of no more than three minutes, which will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its webpage following the meeting.

Before I invite the witnesses to deliver their opening statements I must explain some limitations with regard to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references to other persons that witnesses make in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. With all that out of the way we get to the good bit where the witnesses get to make their presentations. I ask Mr. Feeney to make his presentation to the committee.