Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

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

I welcome from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Dr. Peter Rigney, industrial officer, and Dr. Laura Bambrick, social policy and legislative officer, to discus Ireland's skills needs.

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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing 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 remind the delegates that their presentation should be no more than ten minutes duration. A copy of the presentation has been circulated to members. I invite Dr. Rigney to make his opening statement.