Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode. Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may 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. This means that the witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, if the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

A number of witnesses today are giving their evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present. Those witnesses have already been advised of this and may think it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter.

Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State will have already been advised that they should be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give. Their decision on whether they take legal advice on the evidence they propose to give should also be informed by this.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise, or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise to engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, 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 that they comply.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. Furthermore, it is not the role of this committee to make findings of fact about a person who is not a member of the Oireachtas that could impinge their good name or reputation. I ask committee members to be mindful of this in their examination of the issues, and in their questions this morning.

Today we are joined by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee. This morning we will once more engage with Raidió Teilifís Éireann to examine the following: matters relating to the appropriation of public moneys to RTÉ, and the expenditure by RTÉ of such public moneys; and the commercial arrangements entered into by RTÉ and its presenters, including those underwritten by RTÉ which have impacted on and relate to the expenditure of public moneys. The committee intends to seek clarification on relevant matters including, but not limited to matters included in the previous letter of invitation issued on 27 June 2023 and arising from a meeting on 29 Jun 2023; matters arising from documentation received from RTÉ; and matters arising from the committee's meeting with Mr. Ryan Tubridy and Mr. Noel Kelly on Tuesday 11 July 2023.

We are joined by the following RTÉ representatives: Ms Siún Ní Raghallaigh, chairperson of the board, ar ais arís; and Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, director general. It is his first meeting with the committee and he is very welcome. I wish him the best of luck in the job.