Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum we can begin. We have received apologies from Deputy Cullinane. Other members have made it known that they have other obligations. I appreciate that people are trying to go between this and other committees. I would like to remind members and others to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as they cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

On behalf of all committee members, I would like to welcome Dr. Peter Rigney, industrial officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, to our committee meeting today as we continue our engagement on the future of Europe. What type of European Union we have in the future is important to all of our citizens and those who live here. ICTU is very active on European issues and the consequences of EU issues in Ireland. It is also very active in working with European counterparts within the European Trade Union Congress, ETUC, structure and beyond. I am sure it has many insights to offer us. We are all looking forward to the contributions.

Before Dr. Rigney begins his opening statement, I have to remind everyone of the rules on privilege in the Parliament. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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. 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 you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to particular matter and you continue to do so you are entitled thereafter to only qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise nor make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Dr. Rigney to make his opening statement. After that, we will open the floor to members. I welcome the students and others in the Gallery.