Ms Justice Mary Laffoy:

I thank the Chairman and members of the committee. On behalf of the Law Reform Commission, I thank the Chairman for inviting us here today to discuss our recent Report on Regulatory Powers and Corporate Offences, which was published last October. As I was appointed as president of the commission last October, I have had no hand, act or part in this particular work. I am joined today by my two colleagues on the commission, Mr. Raymond Byrne and Mr. Tom O'Malley who will take questions from the committee when we have completed the opening statement.

Also accompanying me today are Professor Ciarán Burke, director of research, Mr. Robert Noonan, deputy director of research, and Ms Leanne Caulfield and Ms Morgane Hervé, two of the principal legal researchers on the project. Mr. Raymond Byrne will present the opening statement.