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.

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.

We are joined from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General by Ms Colette Drinan, secretary and director of audit. Ms Drinan is deputising for the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee but who is unavoidably absent. This morning, we will once more engage with Raidió Teilifís Éireann and officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media 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 that 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 arising from the meetings with RTÉ on 29 June 2023 and 13 July 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 11 July 2023.

We are joined from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media by Ms Katherine Licken, Secretary General; Ms Triona Quill, assistant secretary; and Mr. Stephen Ryan, principal officer; and from RTÉ by Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, director general; Mr. Adrian Lynch, director of audience, channels and marketing; Mr. Conor Mullen, head of strategy and commercial compliance; Ms Eimear Cusack, director of human resources; Mr. Mike Fives, group financial controller; and Ms Paula Mullooly, director of legal affairs.

Before we move to the opening statements, I note that several other individuals were invited to attend today's meeting but either declined or are unable to attend. The committee has received responses from Ms Breda O'Keeffe, the former chief financial officer, and Ms Geraldine O'Leary, the former director of commercial, declining the committee's invitation to attend today's meeting. Ms Siún Ní Raghallaigh, chair of the board of RTÉ, and Ms Anne O’Leary, a member of the board, have informed us that they are out of the country at the moment and are unable to attend. The committee has also been informed by Ms Dee Forbes that she is unable to attend today's meeting.

I call the RTÉ director general, Mr. Bakhurst, to make his opening statement.