John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode. I welcome Mr. Joe Saunders, Mr. Michael Bowe, Ms Anne Fitzgerald, Mr. Eamonn O'Reilly and Mr. Larry O'Neill From the Irish Local Development Network, ILDN, and Mr. Donal Coffey and Ms Caroline Kennedy from SIPTU.

In a few moments I will invite the witnesses to make their presentations and then members will have an opportunity to ask questions. First, I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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, 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Bowe to make his opening statement.