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

I remind members, visitors and those in the public gallery to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode. This meeting is with Enterprise Ireland to discuss women entrepreneurship, women in the tech industries, skills needs and balanced regional development. I welcome from Enterprise Ireland Ms Julie Sinnamon, chief executive officer; Ms Jean O'Sullivan, female entrepreneurship manager; Mr. Tom Hayes, microenterprise and small business divisional manager; and Mr. Jerry Maloney, mid-west regional director.

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 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 and 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 invite Ms Sinnamon to make her presentation.