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

I welcome members. In line with the exceptional circumstances, we are taking measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practise good hand hygiene and will notice that every second seat has been removed to facilitate social distancing. I urge them not to move any chair from its current position. Attendees should maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks should be worn at all times during the meeting, except when speaking. I ask for full co-operation in this matter. Any member participating remotely is required to do so from within the Leinster House complex. We have received no apologies from members.

The purpose of today's meetings is to discuss the impact of the withdrawal of incentives from enterprise. The committee is mindful of the range of incentives put in place over the past 18 months or so relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. These incentives have been instrumental in keeping many businesses operating during the pandemic with the prospect that they could recover following it. Budget 2022 contained a number of measures that involve the setting or altering of expiry dates for incentives to tie in with the lifting of most of the pandemic-related restrictions. However, the termination of these incentives will be a cause of concern for many businesses.

To discuss this issue with the committee, I welcome, from ISME, Mr. Neil McDonnell, who joins remotely, and from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Declan Hughes, who is in the chamber.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and 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. 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 the person or entity. If a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, that witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative witnesses comply with any such directions.

The opening statements from ISME and the Department have been circulated to members. To commence consideration of our matter, I invite Mr. McDonnell to make opening remarks on behalf of ISME.