Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now back in public session. I welcome Dr. Peter Rigney and Dr. Tom Healy from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Ms Bríd O’Brien and Mr. John Steward from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Mr. James Doorley from the National Youth Council of Ireland and Ms Ann Irwin from the National Women’s Council of Ireland. Members were circulated with the submissions received and a summary paper in advance of this meeting. The format of the meeting will be that the four groups will make brief introductory comments not to exceed three minutes.

I remind everyone present that 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 the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his 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 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I will now call on the ICTU to make brief comments, then the INOU, the NYCI and the NWCI in that order.