Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Paul Gavan and Gerald Nash. I remind members, visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or left in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode.

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.

In accordance with Dáil Standing Order 84A(4)(k) and Seanad Standing Order 70A(3)(k), the Companies Act 2014 (Section 1313) Regulations 2017, in draft form, were referred to the committee by order of the Dáil of 21 March and by order of the Seanad of the same date. The committee has been asked to send a message to both Houses by 13 April stating it has completed its consideration of the regulations. A briefing document prepared by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has been circulated to members. The regulations are technical in nature but time sensitive, necessitating the organisation of this short joint meeting. I thank members for attending and invite the Minister to make her opening statement.