Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae. Tributes are being paid in the Dáil to his late father, Jackie Healy-Rae, so he is unable to attend. We have also received apologies from Senator Richmond.

I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as the interference can cause serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

We have a very interesting line-up today. I am delighted to welcome Mr. Peter Rigney, industrial officer, and Mr. Ger Gibbons, social policy and legislative officer, from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Mr. Pat Ivory, director of EU and international affairs, and Mr. Arnold Dillon, head of campaigns, who are both from IBEC; and Mr. Jim Miley, director general, and Mr. Lewis Purser, director, Irish Universities Association, IUA.

Before we begin, I remind everyone of the rules on privilege. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are only entitled thereafter to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence concerned with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are 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 or her identifiable.

That is a standard statement and it is not to be taken to imply that any of the gentlemen attending would make such comments. They would not be in the positions they are in today if they were going around making allegations. Congress will make its opening statement first, followed by IBEC and then the Irish Universities Association. I am sure committee members will then have questions and comments for the witnesses.