Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, members and witnesses will have the option of attending meetings within the relevant committee room. It is important to note that masks should continue to worn by those present when not addressing the committee. I will remind members of this as necessary.

Before we begin, 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 witnesses who are physically present. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor 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 with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or any official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

The committee has agreed to examine the indexation of the welfare and taxation system. The committee has scheduled a series of public meetings and intends to discuss several areas of interest, including the rationale for indexation, the creation of an indexation system, the operation of that system and the impact of indexation on budgetary sustainability. We also hope to publish a report on the topic. Today is the second of these meetings.n behalf of the committee. I welcome Dr. Claire Keane and Dr. Karina Doorley from the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI. I invite Dr. Keane to make her opening statement on behalf of the ESRI.