Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode.

We will now begin as part of the rapporteur report a discussion with the Irish Exporters Association on women entrepreneurs, women involved in the technology industry, the skills needs and balanced regional development. I welcome Mr. Hugh Kelly, president of the Irish Exporters Association and chief executive of Associated Marketing Limited, and Ms Nicola Byrne, council members of the association and managing director of Cloud 90.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act, 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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.