John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The main business today is a discussion of future tourism policy. The purpose of the meeting is to engage with three separate groups on ways in which future tourism policy might be framed in order to maximise its contribution to the economy. The invitation was extended to the groups following the referral of the issues paper and a request for submissions on developing a tourism policy statement to the joint committee. As we had little doubt that all of the main tourism interests would automatically feed into the consultation process, we thought we would get a flavour of the views submitted by two groups from County Mayo and County Leitrim, as well as an academic view from Mr. Jerome Casey. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Peter Hynes, county manager, Mayo County Council; Ms Joanne Grehan, head of Mayo enterprise and investment unit, Mayo County Council; Mr. John James O'Hara from Pure Irish Life Tours in County Leitrim; and Mr. Jerome Casey, a tourism industry analyst.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. With all of the housekeeping matters out of the way, I call on Mr. Hynes to make his opening remarks. We will hear the three presentations first and then take questions.