Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have received an apology from Deputy Ó Snodaigh. The committee is meeting today with two representative groups in two separate sessions to resume its pre-legislative scrutiny of the revised general scheme of the broadcasting (amendment) Bill. In our first session this evening we will hear from GAA+ and LOITV. In our second session on the same topic we will hear from the NUJ, RTÉ Trade Union Group, SIPTU, and UNITE The Union.

I welcome Mr. Noel Quinn, head of GAA+ and GAA marketing and Ms Niamh McCoy, GAA media rights and museum director. Here on behalf of LOITV I welcome Mr. Mark Scanlon, League of Ireland director; and Mr. Richard Webb, director of operations at Premier Sports. The format of today's meeting is such that I will invite our witnesses to deliver an opening statement which is limited to three minutes. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. As you are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statements online. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I also wish to clarify some limitations relating 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 both 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 this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of 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.

We shall proceed with the opening statement of Mr. Noel Quinn for GAA+, to be followed by Mr. Mark Scanlon for LOITV. I will have to leave the Chair for approximately 30 minutes and the Leas-Chathaoirleach will stand in when I do.