John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to the meeting. I wish to draw 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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.

The opening statements submitted will be published on the committee website after the 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 outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they affect the recording and transmission of proceedings.

The heads of the Social Welfare Bill, the summer Bill, were published a number of weeks ago. This committee engaged in pre-legislative scrutiny. A number of issues about pensions were outstanding and some witnesses have made written submissions to the committee. It was in that context where members wanted to explore those issues a little further thus the witnesses were invited to attend today. I invite the witnesses to make their opening statements and members will ask a number of questions.

I call on Mr. Courtney from Pensions Equality to commence.