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

I welcome and thank everyone for attending. Last week was busy for the committee. I welcome Mr. Seamus Mulconry, executive director of Philanthropy Ireland, Mr. Seán Coughlan, chief executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Mr. Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí, chief executive officer of the Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, and Mr. Eamonn Fitzgerald of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland to our meeting on the not-for-profit sector as an industry and its potential for development and job creation. The committee discussed this issue previously, given our interest in it. We also touched on it a number of years ago. Mr. Mulconry may have been present for that. We would be interested in working with our guests further in a bid to create to jobs, as the committee could have a role in helping them with this major area.

I wish to advise the witnesses 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. 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 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 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 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.

If that has not put him off, I will ask Mr. Mulconry to make his presentation.