Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Gallery to make sure their mobile phones are turned off.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Ireland's bid to host the Rugby Word Cup in 2023. The Bill passed all Stages in the House last night and enjoyed cross-party support, which is welcome. There is an urgency to the legislation, as communicated to us by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

The legislation had to be passed by a specific date so pre-legislative scrutiny did not take place, by consent. The Minister, Deputy Shane Ross, is very welcome.

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. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 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 an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing 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 invite the Minister, Deputy Ross, to make his opening statement.