Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that, 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. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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. They 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.

I advise witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

This meeting is devoted to the important issue of the youth guarantee. The committee considered this matter earlier in the year, on foot of which we decided to submit a political contribution to the European Commission. Since then, as agreed by this committee, work on this matter has been undertaken by Senator O'Donnell who, following today's meeting, will endeavour to draw up recommendations for the committee regarding the implementation of the guarantee.

The youth guarantee is an EU initiative that was agreed by member states earlier this year. Once implemented from 2014, it will assure young people aged 18 to 25 a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship of work experience within four months of becoming unemployed. The Department of Social Protection is developing an action plan to implement the guarantee in Ireland from next year.

I welcome the witnesses: Mr. John McKeon, assistant secretary, and Mr. Terry Corcoran, principal officer, from the Department of Social Protection; Ms Nuala Whelan, Ballymun Job Centre; Mr. James Doorley, National Youth Council of Ireland; Ms Cora Horgan, Tipperary Regional Youth Service; Mr. Joe O'Connor, Union of Students in Ireland; and Ms Fiona Dunne, Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I invite Mr. McKeon from the Department of Social Protection to make his opening statement.