Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum, the committee is in public session. I remind members, our guests and those in the Visitors Gallery to switch off their mobile telephones as they cause interference with the broadcasting system even when left on silent mode. I ask them to check their telephones now and ensure they are switched off. Apologies have been received from Deputy Halligan.
We are delighted to welcome to the committee representatives of the organisation, Better Europe Alliance, which is an alliance of Irish civil society organisations for a social and sustainable Europe. We will discuss today the response of Better Europe Alliance to the 2014 country specific recommendations for Ireland issued by the European Union Commission, as part of the EU Semester process. The joint committee is very keen to discuss this issue. As the representatives will be aware, we made a political contribution to the EU Commission on the debate on a related issued, which was strengthening the social dimension of the economic and monetary union. On behalf of the committee, I welcome three representatives from the Better Europe Alliance, Ms Michelle Murphy from Social Justice Ireland, Ms Alice-Mary Higgins from the National Women's Council of Ireland and Mr. Michael Ewing from the Environmental Pillar.
Before we begin I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. By virtue of 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I spoke to our guests before the meeting and I understand Ms Murphy will make the opening presentation on behalf of the alliance. I invite Ms Murphy to proceed.