Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to flight mode for the duration of the meeting, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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.

Apologies have been received from Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly and Senators Paul and James Reilly.

The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation is welcome to what is her first meeting with the committee. I also welcome her officials. I congratulate the Minister on her recent appointment to the Department. As this is a busy committee, we will be seeing plenty of her. I speak for all members when I say the committee looks forward to working with her in a constructive manner, as was the case with previous Ministers. We decided that the committee would go into private session after our discussion with the Minister so as not to keep her and her officials waiting outside.

I also welcome from IDA Ireland Mr. Martin Shanahan, CEO; Ms Mary Buckley, executive director, and Mr. Leo Clancy, global head of technology, to discuss direct threats to foreign direct investment in Ireland.

I remind our guests that their presentations should be no longer than five minutes. Members have received copies of the presentations submitted. I invite the Minister to make her presentation.