Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of this session is to engage with Mr. Nick Hartery who has recently been appointed as chairperson of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, to discuss his approach in undertaking his role and his strategic priorities in that regard. The joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet him to hear his views. We trust that it will serve to provide greater transparency in the process of appointment to State bodies and boards. I welcome Mr. Hartery and wish him well in his new appointment, on which I congratulate him. I wish him every success in his new role.

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 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 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 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.

I ask Mr. Hartery to make his opening statement.