Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I have received apologies from Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who may not be here today.

Matters relating to the termination of the Arts Council grant management IT system is the topic we are dealing with today. The meeting has been convened with relevant officials from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to resume the committee's consideration of matters relating to the termination of the Arts Council grant management IT system. I welcome the following officials from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sports to the committee: Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, Secretary General; Mr. Conor Falvey, assistant secretary; Mr. John Kelly, principal officer; and Ms Sinéad O'Hara, principal officer.

The format of today's meeting is that I will invite the witnesses to deliver an opening statement which is limited to five minutes. That will then be followed by questions from members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on its website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before I proceed to questions from members of the committee, I advise them that while the committee has received detailed correspondence in advance of this engagement regarding the topic under consideration today, the names of individuals not present before the committee this evening should not be discussed publicly in today's session.

I also wish to clarify some limitations relating to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their 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 they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege, and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 propose we proceed now with the opening statement from the Secretary General of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh, and then we will take questions from the members.