Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I remind anyone who is participating in the meeting remotely that they must do that from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Senators Róisín Garvey and Marie Sherlock.

Today we are going to look at the role and operation of the Health and Safety Authority. The Health and Safety Authority is an important regulatory body that comes under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The authority carries out important work with regard to regulations on occupational safety and health, chemicals, market surveillance and accreditation.

The committee is pleased that we have an opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives from the Health and Safety Authority: Mr. Conor O'Brien, chief executive, and Mr. Mark Cullen, Dr. Kevin De Barra, Dr. Adrienne Duff and Ms Yvonne Mullooly, who are assistant chief executives.

Before we start, I mention some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House regarding references the witnesses make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice not to criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Health and Safety Authority.