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

Today the committee is meeting representative groups in two separate sessions to discuss the integration of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, LGFA, and the Camogie Association with the Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA.

In our first session, we will hear from the steering group on integration, the GAA, the Camogie Association and the LGFA. In our second session today on the same topic, we will hear from the Gaelic Players Association and representatives of GAA Scór, national handball, national games referees, rounders and club players. I propose that we now move to the agenda item for our first session. I warmly welcome to the committee our witnesses, who need no introduction, may I say. I thank our distinguished guests, beginning with former President, Professor Mary McAleese, chairperson of the steering group on integration. We also have Mr. Iarlaith Ó Broin, uachtarán of the GAA, Mr. Mícheál Naughton, uachtarán of the LGFA, and Mr. Brian Molloy, the recently appointed uachtarán of the Camogie Association. They are all very welcome. We are delighted to have them with us. The format of the meeting is such that I will invite witnesses to deliver an opening statement, which is limited to three minutes. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements on its webpage. Is that all agreed? Agreed. Thank you.

Before we proceed to the opening statements, I wish to explain some limitations on parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to others 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 presentation they make to the committee. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

Members are also reminded of the parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I again 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 they are not adhering to that constitutional requirement.

I propose that we now proceed to the most meaty part of our meeting, that is, the opening statements and discussion with our guests. I will begin with Professor McAleese on behalf of the steering group on integration. The floor is hers.