John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are joined this afternoon by Mr. Terry Clune, who is the chairman of ConnectIreland. He is here to discuss how the ConnectIreland initiative has been operating since its establishment. He is joined by Mr. Michael McLoughlin. I need to go through some formalities before we begin.

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 witnesses 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. 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 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. I ask Mr. Clune to make a presentation to the committee on how ConnectIreland attracts companies to locate in Ireland and on related issues.