David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are joined from committee room 1 by officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland who are here to discuss supports for businesses. From the Department I welcome Dr. Orlaigh Quinn, Secretary General, and assistant secretaries, Mr. David Hegarty and Mr. Declan Hughes. From Enterprise Ireland we are joined by Ms Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Mr. Kevin Sherry, executive director, and Ms Rowena Dwyer, department manager.

I wish to advise our guests that 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 in relation to a particular matter and they 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 these proceedings is to be given and they 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.

While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, they can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.

I invite Dr. Quinn to make her opening statement.