Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The committee is meeting with departmental officials, key agencies and sporting organisations to continue its examination of inclusion in sport. I warmly welcome, Ms Mary O'Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport, FIS; Ms Aoife Rafferty, people and culture director, and Mr. Ger McDermott, grassroots director, Football Association of Ireland, FAI; Mr. Tom Ryan, director general, and Mr. Ger McTavish, national diversity and inclusion manager, Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA; Ms Anne Marie Hughes, head of equity, diversity and inclusivity, and Mr. Ultan O'Callaghan, head of rugby development, Irish Rugby Football Union, IRFU; Dr. Una May, CEO, and Ms Helen McHugh, diversity and inclusion manager, Sport Ireland; Mr. Micheál Ó Conaire, principal officer with responsibility for sports policy, and Mr. James Lavelle, assistant principal officer with responsibility for sports policy, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish their opening statements on its webpage. Before we proceed, I wish to explain some limitations on 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, in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. 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 the 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. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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 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 will not permit a member to attend where he or she is not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to attend from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

We will proceed with opening statements, and first up is Mr. Micheál Ó Conaire on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.