The purpose of this morning's engagement is to hear the views of Horse Racing Ireland, the Federation of Irish Sport and the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland on the issue of sponsorship of sporting and cultural events by the alcoholic drinks industry. The committee has had two previous meetings on this topic and we propose to conclude our meetings on it today. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Brian Kavanagh and Michael O'Rourke of Horse Racing Ireland, Sarah O'Shea and Sarah O'Connor of the Federation of Irish Sport and Peter O'Brien and Donall O'Keeffe of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. I wish to draw their attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee.

However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary privilege to the effect that where possible they should not criticise nor make any charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise them that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website immediately after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against a person outside of the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I propose we begin by hearing from Mr. Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, followed by Ms Sarah O'Shea, chairperson of the Federation of Irish Sport, and then by Mr. Peter O'Brien, chairman of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. I invite Mr. Kavanagh to make his opening statement.

{To read the full debate, click on this link to the Oireachtas website)