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

We have received apologies from Senator Hoey. First, we must dispose of some committee business before we take our opening statements. Are the minutes of the meetings on 7, 11 and 12 July and 22 August and 13 September formally agreed and there are no matters arising? Agreed.

Today's meeting is with Coimisiún na Meán on its work programme 2023, which is its first. I welcome its representatives to the committee: Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, executive chairperson, Ms Celene Craig, broadcasting commissioner, Dr. John Evans, digital services commissioner, and Ms Niamh Hodnett, online safety commissioner - I am sure we will have a lot of questions for Ms Hodnett - and Mr. Rónán Ó Domhnaill, media development commissioner. They are all very welcome. This is their first opportunity to come before the committee. There has been so much discussion around media, the future of media, online safety, etc., so I am sure my colleagues will have comprehensive questions and we are looking forward to hearing from our guests.

On the format of today's meeting, I will invite our witnesses to deliver their opening statement, which is limited to five minutes. That will be followed by questions by members of the committee. The committee will publish the opening statement on its webpage. At the outset of the meeting, I wish to explain some limitations regarding parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references made by witnesses 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 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to attend where he or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement.