Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and the people in the Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of this meeting because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to state that 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. 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 to the meeting today to discuss the cost of doing business Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive of Chambers Ireland; Mr. Thomas Mc Hugh, policy and external relations, Cork Chamber of Commerce; Ms Olivia Buckley, communications director, Irish Tax Institute; Ms Cora O'Brien, policy director, Irish Tax Institute; Mr. Neil McDonnell, chief executive of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, ISME; and Ms Siobhán O'Connor, vice chairman of ISME. I remind guests that each presentation should be of no more than two minutes duration. Members of the committee have received your submissions and presentations.

I invite Mr. Talbot to make his presentation.