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

I welcome the members of the committee who are participating in today's meeting in line with the exceptional circumstances and measures we must take during the Covid-19 pandemic. I appreciate everybody's help in this situation. Members are required to participate in this meeting remotely and from within the Leinster House complex only.

This meeting will consider the skills required to support the economic recovery plan. Since the beginning of last year, the economy has had to deal with the impact of both the Covid-19 pandemic and the departure of the UK from the EU. Following the restrictions that were put in place to protect our public health, businesses have seen huge shifts in trading patterns, as well as difficulties in supply chains and increases in the cost of energy and materials. In addition, we have seen huge disruption in the labour force which has caused the displacement of labour in many sectors and a lack of availability of skills in other sectors. The issue has been raised in a range of the committee's discussions in the past year, particularly in recent months. To assist the committee to gain a better understanding of the issues, I am pleased to welcome from the expert group on future skills needs, Mr. Tony Donohoe, chair, and Dr. Alan Power.

Before we start, I wish to 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 a witness physically present. Witness have already been advised that they may think it is appropriate to take legal advice on this.

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. 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.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. I invite Mr. Donohoe to make his opening remarks on behalf of the expert group.