Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, and her officials to today's engagement.

In accordance with procedure, I am required to read the following. 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 committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 the 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, 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 remind members, visitors and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to make her opening remarks.