Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will move on to our next item of business, a discussion with representatives of the local authorities, chambers of commerce and community enterprises in the south east on the south-east economic development strategy report being prepared by Senator David Cullinane. I welcome all of our guests to our discussion on the report into which Senator David Cullinane has put a great deal of work in the past few months. He has carried out many interviews and engaged with many stakeholders, but before we finalise the report, it is important that we have a chance to discuss some of the issues involved with our guests. We have set aside today to discuss all of the options, suggestions and areas in which we can make improvements. The committee is anxious to ensure the report will help in pulling together existing reports and information and, apart from adding a critique, add new suggestions and value to them.

I welcome to our first session Mr. Joe Crockett, Kilkenny county manager; Ms Nora Widgre, president, Waterford Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Michael Walsh, Waterford city manager; and Mr. Senan Cooke, Dunhill Community Enterprises. All of our guests are very welcome, but I extend a special welcome to Mr. Crockett. We had him in County Meath when I was first elected to the local authority and I am delighted that he is here as part of the group.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Crockett to make his presentation.