Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the guests. The submissions received and a summary paper have been circulated to members in advance of this meeting. Each group will make a brief introductory comment not exceeding three minutes, and then we will proceed to the question and answer session. All mobile phones must be switched off. 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 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Talbot of Chambers Ireland, Mr. Noonan of the Small Firms Association and Mr. O'Brien of IBEC to make some brief comments, after which we will have a question and answer session.