Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Smyth and Senators Carrigy and Warfield. This meeting has been convened with Ms Ní Raghallaigh to discuss her role and key priorities as the recently-appointed Chairperson to the board of Raidió Teilifís Éireann. I warmly welcome Ms Ní Raghallaigh to committee room 1. She is also joined by RTÉ board member Dr. P.J. Mathews, who I also welcome. The committee notes yesterday's announcement that Mr. Kevin Bakhurst will be the next director general of RTÉ. The committee looks forward to engaging with Mr. Bakhurst in the role and thanks the outgoing director, Ms Dee Forbes, for her years of service to public service broadcasting.

The format of today's meeting is such that I will invite the witness to deliver her opening statement, which is limited to three minutes. The committee may publish the opening statement on its website. This will then be followed by questions from members of the committee.

Before I invite our witness to make her opening statement, I must explain some limitations in relation to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses around references that witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected by absolute privilege pursuant to the Constitution and statute in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means witnesses have absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty, as Chair, to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected to the subject matter of the proceedings should be given, and witnesses should respect directions given by the Chair with the parliamentary practice to that effect. 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.

Members are also 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 members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings.