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

I wish everybody a happy new year. It is our first meeting of this year. I welcome members to this committee meeting, in line with the current exceptional measures that we are taking in relation to public health which, fortunately, we are phasing out. Some members will participate remotely, while others will be here in the committee room. If members wish to participate remotely in the meeting, it must be from within the Leinster House complex, as they are aware. We have received apologies from Senator Paul Gavan.

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. They will notice that certain seating has been removed in order to facilitate social distancing. Hopefully, we will remove that measure shortly. Members should maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of medical grade, should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking. I ask for everyone's co-operation in this.

Today's meeting is to discuss with IDA Ireland its strategy, targets, achievements and projected future progress. Since the joint committee last met IDA Ireland, the inward investment, promotion and development agency announced results for its activities in 2021. The year was characterised by significant, high levels of foreign direct investment compared with 2020, with strong gains recorded in both growth and net employment. I am pleased that, today, we have an opportunity to consider this matter. I welcome from IDA Ireland, Mr. Martin Shanahan, chief executive officer, Ms Mary Buckley, executive director, Mr. Denis Curran, divisional manager, and Ms Breda O'Sullivan.

Before we start, I advise witnesses about parliamentary privilege. There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses with regard to reference that witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. However, witnesses are giving 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 who is physically present. Witnesses have already been advised that they may think it is appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

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 such a 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 statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct witnesses to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement of IDA Ireland has been circulated to all members. To commence consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Shanahan to make his opening remarks.