Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Deputy Seán Crowe.

The first item on the agenda is a discussion of the future of Ireland and the European Union. On behalf of the joint committee, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Seamus Coffey of the UCC school of economics, and Mr. Nat O'Connor and Mr. Tom McDonnell from the think tank TASC. This is the first of a series of meetings as part of a debate on the future of Ireland and the European Union. The session will focus on the implications for Ireland of an evolving European Union in terms of the proposed completion of economic and monetary union and the necessary steps to bolster democratic accountability and legitimacy. Mr. Coffey addressed the committee last year during the debate on the fiscal compact. Members will remember those days in March and April. Representatives of TASC have also been before the committee in the past. TASC describes itself as an independent think tank dedicated to addressing Ireland's high level of economic inequality. We all look forward to hearing the perspectives of both organisations on the future of Ireland and the European Union.

Before we begin, I remind members 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 that he or she can be easily identified. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee.

If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Nat O'Connor to make his presentation.