Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of this meeting, please, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. Before we commence, 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome today Mr. Fergal O'Brien and Mr. Gerard Brady from IBEC, Ms Linda Barry from the Small Firms Association, Mr. Paul Kelly from Food and Drink Industry Ireland, and Mr. Tom Burke from Retail Ireland. I thank all the witnesses very much for giving up their time to come here today to discuss the cost of doing business. I remind our guests that the presentations should be no longer than five minutes. Members have received their submissions and presentations. I ask Mr. Fergal O'Brien to make a presentation to the committee.