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

We have received apologies from Deputies John Lyons, Michael Conaghan and Peadar Tóibín and Senator Mary White. I remind members, witnesses and visitors in the gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. This meeting will be broadcast live on UPC channel 207, eVision channel 504 and Sky channel 574. The purpose of today's meeting is an engagement with Dr. Donal de Buitléir, chairperson designate of the Low Pay Commission, whom I welcome to the meeting.

Before beginning, I wish to draw attention to the fact 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. However, if witnesses are directed by the Chairman 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 or her 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 now invite Dr. de Buitléir to make his opening statement.