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

I remind members to ask questions and focus on the subject matter of the meeting because this is a great opportunity for us to pick the brains of the people who have come in to help us today. I welcome Dr. Micheál Collins of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, Mr. Fergal O'Brien, head of policy and chief economist with IBEC, and Ms Maeve McElwee, head of IR/HR with IBEC.

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 they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they will be 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, 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind our guests that presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration as we have a number of guests presenting. Members have been circulated with the presentations submitted and have had an opportunity already to read them and consider their contents. I invite Dr. Micheál Collins to make his presentation to the committee.