Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

This is our second session of the day. We will continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the revised general scheme of the broadcasting (amendment) Bill. In this session we will hear from the NUJ, RTÉ trade union group, SIPTU, and Unite the Union. I warmly welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: Mr. Séamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the NUJ, Mr. Cearbhall Ó Síocháin, NUJ representative, Mr. Trevor Keegan, joint chair of the RTÉ trade union group, Ms Sorcha Vaughan, secretary to the RTÉ trade union group, Mr. Adrian Kane, divisional organiser from SIPTU, Mr. Gerry O'Brien, president of SIPTU's arts, culture and media sector and Irish Equity president and Mr. Michael O'Brien, regional officer at Unite the Union.

The format of the meeting is I will invite our witnesses to deliver an opening statement that is limited to three minutes. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Witnesses are probably aware the committee will publish their opening statements online. Is that agreed, colleagues? Agreed.

Before we proceed, I wish to clarify 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 both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means 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.

I propose to proceed with the opening statements beginning with Mr. Dooley, to be followed by Mr. Keegan, Mr. Kane and Mr. O'Brien.