Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss the implementation of the Duffy Cahill report. The 2016 report was an expert examination of legal protections for workers with a particular focus on ways of ensuring limited liability and corporate restructuring are not used to avoid a company's obligations to its employees. The examination looks specifically at situations where assets of significant value are separated from the operating entity, being the employer, and how the position of employees can be better protected in such situations.

Recently, we heard from the authors of the report, Ms Nessa Cahill and Mr. Kevin Duffy. To assist the committee in its further consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Damien English, on his first visit to our committee. The Minister of State's opening statement has been circulated to members.

Before the Minister of State begins, I will explain parliamentary privilege to members. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice to the Houses as regards reference they may make to other persons in their evidence. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their presentation made to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I now invite the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.