Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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We have received apologies from Deputies Ciarán Cannon and Imelda Munster. We have some housekeeping business to attend to first. Are the minutes of our meeting on 24 April 2024 formally agreed with no matters arising? Agreed.

This meeting has been convened today with Mr. Terence O'Rourke, to discuss his role and key priorities as the recently appointed chairperson of RTÉ. I welcome Mr. O'Rourke and congratulate him on his appointment. He is joined by Ms Aideen Howard, RTÉ board member; Ms Eimear Cusack, RTÉ director of human resources; and Mr. Robert Shortt, RTÉ company secretary. I also congratulate Mr. Shortt on his new appointment. The format of today's meeting is that I will invite Mr. O'Rourke to deliver his opening statement, which will be limited to five minutes if possible. As I am sure witnesses are aware, the committee may publish the opening statement on its webpage. This will then be followed by questions from members of the committee. Members have eight minutes for both questions and answers in accordance with the speaking rota circulated. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we proceed with Mr. O'Rourke's opening statement, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses regarding references made to other persons in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and Statute by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation made to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action from anything they say at the meeting. Witnesses are, however, expected not to abuse this privilege and it is the duty of the Chair to ensure that that privilege is not abused. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to that person's name, entity or good name. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks.

Members are also reminded of the 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 to make him or her identifiable. I would also like to remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit them to attend where they are not adherent to that constitutional requirement.

I call Mr. O'Rourke to make his opening statement. If he can stick to the five minutes, that would be great.