Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Professor Alan Barrett, Dr. Martina Lawless and Dr. Kieran McQuinn, and thank them for attending. They will be asked to deal with the following themes in their presentations: a macroeconomic analysis of the economy; income taxation, in particular the distributional impact of merging USC and income tax; Brexit; demographic pressures; and labour market participation.

Before we hear the witnesses' opening statements, I wish to bring to their attention the fact that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it 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. 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 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 invite Dr. Lawless to make her opening statement. She will be given 15 minutes, after which I will open the discussion to members. Deputies Heydon, Burton, Boyd Barrett, Calleary, Broughan and Doherty have already indicated. Members will have five minutes and this will be applied strictly this time. I call Dr. Lawless.