Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today the committee begins its pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of an employment permits (consolidation and amendment) Bill with officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. I welcome to today's engagement Ms Clare Dunne, assistant secretary, Ms Fiona Ward, principal officer, Mr. Rob Walsh, assistant principal officer, and Ms Roisin Collins, higher executive officer. I thank the members for attending.

I remind members, visitors and those in the Public Gallery to ensure that their mobile phones are switched off or in flight mode for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when on silent mode.

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 to only 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members have been furnished with the presentation and briefing documents submitted by today's attendees. I invite Ms Dunne to make her presentation to the committee.