Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the transmission. It would be very much appreciated if they did so.

I welcome the delegates from the Construction Industry Federation: Mr. Tom Parlon, director general, and Mr. Dominic Doheny, president. I thank them for making themselves available to the committee. I welcome also the delegates from Chambers Ireland: Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive, Mr. Paddy Malone, PRO of Dundalk Chamber. I thank them both for making themselves available. I apologise for the delay in starting this part of our committee meeting today.

I advise witnesses 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 are 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.

I thank the delegates again for attending today. I will start with Mr. Tom Parlon. I invite him to make his opening statement.