Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Coffey, Ms Connolly and Mr. Orford from Fórsa and Mr. King, Mr. Kane and Mr. Fennessy from SIPTU for their evidence.

For the second part of the meeting, we are now joined by officials from the Department of Social Protection to consider the local employment services. We have with us Mr. Niall Egan, assistant secretary, and Mr. Chris Kane, principal officer. They are both very welcome.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative that he or she complies with any such direction.

I invite Mr. Egan to make his opening statement on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.