Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin Browne will be substituting for Deputy Johnny Mythen.

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. Members are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on their device. It is not enough for members just to put their phones on silent mode because this will maintain a level of interference with the broadcasting system.

Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses will have full defence in any defamation action arising out of anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and I remind them 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 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 a witness giving 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 that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official 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 a committee meeting when they are participating within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance with regard to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

The purpose of today’s meeting is to undertake an examination of the strategy for the horse sport industry going forward. The committee will hear from representatives from Horse Sport Ireland, HSI: Mr. Denis Duggan, CEO; Mr. Michael Dowling, chairman; Dr. Kevin Smyth, director; Ms Avalon Everett, head of sport, legal and governance; and Dr. Sonja Egan, head of breeding. Their opening statements have been circulated to members and will be taken as read. I will now allow them five minutes to present, after which will we go into questions and answers.