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

From the Low Pay Commission, I welcome Dr. Donal de Buitléir, chairman, and Mr. John O'Toole, secretary. From Unite the Union, I welcome Mr. Richie Browne, regional co-ordinating officer, and Ms Rhona McCord, strategic research, community development and communications support. I welcome Mr. Clement Shevlin, SIPTU organiser connected with the ONE Galway initiative. He is accompanied by Dr. Deirdre Curran, NUIG. I understand Dr. de Buitléir is under pressure from the point of view of time so he might contribute first. The same procedure will apply in the earlier session. If members want to ask direct questions, we will try to get direct answers.

I draw the attention of our guests 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 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 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, 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 ask everyone again to ensure that they have turned their mobile phones off or switched them to flight mode. All the opening statements have been circulated. I invite Dr. de Buitléir to go first.