Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the meeting is to meet representatives of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland to discuss the creation of a fair broadcasting sector that serves the whole community and how public moneys can best be spent to achieve this. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. John Purcell, chairman and CEO of KCLR, Mr. Tim Collins, CEO of Ocean FM, and Ms Lisa Ní Choisdealbha of Independent Broadcasters of Ireland.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise the officials that the opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Purcell to make his opening statement.