Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will have a discussion with the representatives of the Association of County and City Councils on the operations of the local enterprise offices.

Before I welcome the representatives of the Association of County and City Councils, I would like to acknowledge the presence of a group of nine 16 to 23 year old Romanians from the Future Diplomats Club of the Partnership of European Association who have joined us in the Visitors Gallery. They are very welcome to follow the proceedings of this afternoon's meeting. I hope they enjoy their stay in the country and the tour of the Dáil that they will have later.

I welcome the members of the Association of County and City Councils. I acknowledge that I was a member of that esteemed association at one stage in my career. I welcome Councillor Constance Hanniffy, Councillor Peter McVitty, Councillor Luie McEntire and Councillor Michael O'Brien to discuss the operations of the local enterprise offices.

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. 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 qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Councillor Constance Hanniffy to make a presentation on the operation of the local enterprise offices.