Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and delegates to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system which makes it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of the meeting and adversely affect the television coverage and web streaming.

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 the Chairman 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise them that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee may 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, her or it identifiable.

I welcome the representatives of Raidió Teilifís Éireann: Ms Dee Forbes, director general; Ms Breda O'Keeffe, chief financial officer; Mr. Jim Jennings, managing director, RTE Radio; and Mr. Brian Dalton, managing director, corporate development. I also welcome the representatives of TG4: Mr. Alan Esslemont, director general; Mr. Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, deputy CEO; and Ms Mary Uí Chadhain, director of finance. I also welcome the representatives of the Irish Film Board: Mr. James Hickey, CEO, and Ms Teresa McGrane, deputy CEO.

I inform members that there are earphones available if they wish to avail of the translation service. I ask Ms Forbes, director general of RTE, to make her opening statement.