Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Today, we will have an engagement with the chairperson designate of the Pensions Authority. I welcome our guest and I will read him our rules on privilege. I draw his attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind everybody that mobile phones should be turned off completely or put on safe or flight mode, depending on the device.

As part of the programme for Government, before the chair of a State body is formally appointed he or she gets a chance to engage with an Oireachtas committee. It gives us an opportunity to talk about the role of the chairman and the person's experience and plans for the future.

The role of the Pensions Authority is to regulate and influence policy so that workers in the State are confident they are making adequate provision for their old age and that their pensions expectations will be met. Its activities include promoting and ensuring, as far as possible, compliance with the Pensions Act, good governance of occupational pensions schemes and the provision of advice. The committee has a substantial interest in the area of pensions and has debated recent legislation. Recently, the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, announced that Mr. David Begg will be appointed as chairperson of the Pensions Authority for a five-year term. In line with our procedures, the committee now has an opportunity to discuss with Mr. Begg the work of the Pensions Authority and his approach to the role of chairman. I welcome Mr. Begg and ask him to make his presentation.