Chairman:

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 welcome the Tánaiste and the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and her officials to the meeting. In accordance with Dáil Standing Order 84(A)(4)(k) and Seanad Standing Order 71(3)(k), the Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2017 in draft was referred to the committee by orders of both Houses on 26 September 2017. The committee has been asked to send a message to both Houses not later than 12 October stating it has completed its consideration of the order. Members have been circulated with a briefing document prepared by the Department. I invite the Minister to make her opening statement.