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

I thank all members and witnesses for participating in today's committee meeting. In line with the exceptional circumstances which we must endure, I remind those participating that apart from members of the committee secretariat and myself, all members and witnesses are participating remotely. All members are within the Leinster House complex. Apologies have been received from Senator Róisín Garvey.

Today, I am pleased to continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of companies (corporate enforcement authority) Bill 2018. This matter is one of the priorities of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and I have a particular interest in it myself. Last week we heard from Mr. Ian Drennan, director of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. I am pleased to be joined remotely by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Leo Varadkar, who is accompanied by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Robert Troy.

In line with normal practice, members have been provided with documentation on this matter, including the opening statement of the Minister. A briefing from the committee secretariat regarding the general scheme has been circulated. This is in addition to the briefings provided to members at last week's meeting, which included a briefing from the Library and Research Service and written observations from a number of experts and stakeholders.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence.

The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, today's witnesses may be giving their evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does.

Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Therefore, to commence with our consideration of this matter, I ask the Minister to make his opening statement. As his written statement has been circulated, it may be helpful to highlight the main issues that he wishes to speak on.