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

Apologies have been received from Deputy John Lyons, Vice Chairman, Deputy Áine Collins, Deputy Michael Conaghan and Senator Mary White. I welcome Mr. Frank Ryan, chairperson designate, and Mr. Barry O'Leary, chief executive officer of the Industrial Development Authority. They are both very welcome and I thank them for attending at short notice in the week that is in it.

In accordance with procedures, I must advise our guests of the following notice. 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.

As Mr. Ryan and Mr. O'Leary are familiar with that procedure, it will not put them off as we commence proceedings. I invite Mr. Frank Ryan to make his opening remarks to the committee.