Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, executive chair of Coimisiún na Meán. He is joined Ms Anne Marie Pollock, director of policy, and Ms Stephanie Comey, director of media literacy. Today's meeting will be a continuation of the discussion we have been having on the upcoming European elections, voting rights and, in particular, combating disinformation. The witnesses are very welcome. I thank them for attending.

Before we begin our formal engagement, there is the usual housekeeping note. If everyone will bear with me, I will rattle it off.

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 or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

Members are reminded of the long-standing practice to the effect that they should not comment, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or any official 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 in the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings. If they are participating, I will ask them to confirm that they are within the precincts of Leinster House. That is for members attending remotely, some of whom can be seen listed on the screen.

I call on Mr. Godfrey to make his opening statement.