Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome to this evening's meeting Mr. Darragh O'Loughlin, CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board; and Dr. Lynn Hillyer, who is its chief veterinary officer. Before we begin, I bring it to their attention that when they are giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means witnesses will have a full defence in any defamation action arising from anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair’s direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. I remind them of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

I invite Mr. O'Loughlin to make his opening statement.