Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to review the invest in Irish job scheme, which is a proposal to set up a job and social cohesion initiative. I welcome Mr. Frank Flannery, chairman of the Forum on Philanthropy and Fundraising, who is accompanied by Ms Deirdre Mortell, Ms Loretta Glucksman, Ms Caroline Casey, Mr. Paul O'Hara, Mr. Kieran McLoughlin, Ms Caitriona Fottrell and Ms Caroline Kennedy. The format of the meeting will be that Mr. Flannery will make some opening remarks and this will be followed by a question-and-answer session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the gallery that mobile phones must be switched off.

I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call Mr. Flannery.