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

I thank members and witnesses for participating in this meeting in line with the exceptional measures we have to undertake due to Covid-19. I remind everyone that apart from myself and members of the committee's secretariat, all members and witnesses are required to participate remotely and all members are required to participate from within the Leinster House complex. Apologies have been received from Senator Róisín Garvey.

Today we will continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the employment permits (consolidation and amendment) Bill 2019. The proposal has been submitted by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the committee for pre-legislative scrutiny. Members will recall that we had a briefing from the Department on the proposal and we have met representatives of IBEC and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, on the issue. To assist the committee in its further consideration of this matter today, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Philip Carroll, chairperson, Mr. Cormac Healy and Mr. Joe Ryan from Meat Industry Ireland, MII. I also welcome Ms Edel McGinley, director, Ms Karina Korotkevica and Mr. Neil Bruton from the Migrants Rights Centre of Ireland, MRCI.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and to the practice of the Houses as regards reference that may be made to others when witnesses are giving evidence. The evidence of witnesses 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 are giving their evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. Witnesses are 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements of the witnesses have been directed to all members and to commence consideration of the matter today, I invite Mr. Carroll to make his opening statement on behalf of MII.