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

I thank members and witnesses for participating in today's meeting in line with the exceptional measures we have to deal with due to Covid-19. I remind everyone that apart from members of the committee secretariat and me, all members and witnesses are required to participate remotely or from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Deputy Stanton.

Today, we will give consideration to the reactivation of enterprise, trade and employment following the pandemic restrictions. We will be assisted by representatives of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, ISME, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. Next week, we will continue our consideration of this matter when we hear from the County and City Management Association. I am pleased to welcome Dr. Laura Bambrick and Mr. Liam Berney from ICTU and Mr. Neil McDonnell from ISME.

Before we start, I will talk about parliamentary privilege. I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege in the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their 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 the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present. 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 any 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 the 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 they comply with any such direction.

To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Dr. Bambrick to make an opening statement on behalf of ICTU. I ask her to limit her contribution to seven minutes, if possible.