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

That is a good start. I do not want to forget any of our guests. From NewsBrands Ireland, I also welcome Mr. Michael Kealey, solicitor, DMG Media. From Local Ireland, I welcome Mr. Dave O'Connell, editor of The Connacht Tribune. From the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, I welcome Mr. John Purcell, chair, and Mr. Michael Brett, project manager, who are no strangers to these committee rooms either. From the NUJ, I welcome Mr. Seamus Dooley, Irish secretary, and Mr. Ian McGuinness, Irish organiser.

The format of today's meeting is such that I will invite our witnesses to deliver opening statements limited to three minutes each. I ask them to stick to that if at all possible. Questions from members of the committee will then follow. The witnesses are probably aware that the committee may publish the opening statements and briefing documents on its web page. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we proceed with the opening statements, 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 the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. Witnesses are again 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 any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

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 who is not adhering to this constitutional requirement.

I propose that we proceed with the opening statements in the following order. We will begin with Mr. McConnell on behalf of NewsBrands Ireland. We will then hear the opening statements of Mr. Dave O'Connell from Local Ireland, Mr. Seamus Dooley from the NUJ, Mr. John Purcell from the IBI and Ms Susan McKay, our Press Ombudsman. Without further ado, I invite Mr. McConnell to give his opening statement. The floor is his.