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

We are meeting today with representatives from the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, MEAI, to discuss the importance of airplay in promoting Irish music. I welcome the following witnesses from MEAI: Jackie Conboy, co-founder, Aidan Butler, member, and Ms. Rebecca Cappuccini, independent artist and MEAI spokesperson.

The format of the meeting is I will invite our witnesses to deliver an opening statement limited to three minutes, to be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish opening statements on its webpage. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we proceed, I wish to explain some limitations in relation 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 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 they 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.

I propose that we proceed to hear the opening statements from the witnesses, starting with Ms Conboy. They have three minutes overall, whatever way they wish to divide that time up.