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

Before we begin, I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. Interference from mobile phones affects the sound quality and transmission of the meeting.

I welcome from the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, IBEC, Mr. Fergal O'Brien, director of policy and public affairs, and Mr. Gerard Brady, senior economist, and thank them for making themselves available to the committee. We have a copy of IBEC's pre-budget submission, which has already been circulated to the committee. We have asked the witnesses to deal with the following themes: Brexit, income taxation, labour market participation, corporation tax, and VAT on the hospitality sector.

Before we hear the witnesses' opening statement, I draw their attention to the position on privilege. 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 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. O'Brien has been allocated 15 minutes for his opening statement and we are looking forward to hearing from him.