Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we commence, I would like to apologise for the lack of nameplates today. For some reason, only Senator Davitt's is working. None of the rest of us seems to have a nameplate. When members are speaking, I ask them to identify themselves.

I remind members, visitors and those in the Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are either switched off or placed in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent. I welcome Ms Edel McGinley and Ms Dearbhla Ryan from the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, MRCI, and Mr. Ken Fleming, Mr. Darren Proctor and Mr. Padraig Yeates of the International Transport Workers Federation.

Before we commence and in accordance with procedure, I am required to read the following. 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 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. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind the witnesses that presentations should be no more than five minutes duration. The presentations submitted by today's attendees have been circulated to members. I invite Ms McGinley to begin her presentation.