Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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We are now in public session. I welcome Mr. Noel Curran, director general of RTE, and his colleagues, Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, managing director of RTE news and current affairs, Ms Breda O'Keeffe, acting chief financial officer and Mr. Brian Dalton, managing director, corporate development. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the procedures put in place at RTE in light of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland findings and the Horgan report following the recent controversies. We would also like to hear from witnesses how they propose to address RTE's current budgetary position including the matter of salary levels and contractors' pay.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome the witnesses. I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submissions or opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now call upon Mr. Curran to make his opening statement.