Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Brian Brennan and Senator Ní Chuilinn. Today, we continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the revised general scheme of the broadcasting (amendment) Bill. This meeting has been convened with representatives from TG4, Screen Producers Ireland, the Community Television Association and Virgin Media Television to continue the committee's scrutiny of this Bill. I warmly welcome the following witnesses: from TG4, Ms Deirdre Ní Choistín, ard stiúrthóir, and Ms Teresa Kenny, stiúrthóir dlí; from Virgin Media Television, Ms Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin, managing director, and Mr. Peter McCarthy, general counsel and vice president of corporate affairs; from Screen Producers Ireland, Ms Susan Kirby, CEO, and Mr. Anthony Muldoon, director of strategic policy; and from the Community Television Association, Mr. Bill Tyson, committee of management, and Mr. Eddie Noonan, member of committee of management. The format of today's meeting is that I will invite our witnesses to deliver an opening statement, which is limited to four minutes. That will then be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its web page, which we propose to do. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I proceed to questions from members of the committee, I would like to clarify some limitations with regard 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 presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege, and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that it is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that 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.

Members should note that a simultaneous translation service has been made available for this meeting courtesy of Rannóg an Aistriúcháin.

I propose we proceed now with the opening statements in the following order: TG4, Virgin Media Television, Screen Producers Ireland and then Community Television Association. We commence now with Deirdre Ní Choistín from TG4 who has four minutes. Will witnesses try to stick to the time limits please? I thank the witnesses.