Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means they have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to publication by them, outside the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of members participating online in the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts. Any attempt to do so will result in a member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of the first session of today's meeting is to receive a briefing on tote licensing issues in respect of harness racing. From the Irish Harness Racing Association, IHRA, the committee will hear from Mr. Mark Flanagan, chairman; Mr. George McCullough, director; and Mr. Gunner LaCour, president. They are very welcome to the committee meeting. Their opening statement has been circulated to members. I will allow the witnesses five minutes to comment on that statement and we will then to proceed to a question and answer session. As is usual, Mr. Flanagan's opening statement is very comprehensive and detailed. It would take longer than five minutes to read but I will give him five minutes to give a briefing and we will then go into questions and answers. That way, we will probably get more to the heart of where we want to go. I have met the IHRA on a number of occasions over the term of this Dáil and the previous Dáil. It is always very professional in the way it presents its case. Its opening statement this evening is no different.