Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will have two sets of witnesses with us to speak on two separate issues.

Petition No. 00025/22 from Mr. Paddy Lynn concerns adding chefs to the critical skills list now to save Irish hospitality. Mr. Lynn and Mr. Khairul Nizam Bin Nayan will speak on this petition. Later in the meeting, we will address petition No. 00042/21 from Ms Joanna Curtis, which is concerned with saving the services of the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton, east Cork. Dr. Orla Kelleher will speak on that topic.

Before we start, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding 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. The witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 any of their statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, the witnesses will be directed to discontinue the remarks. It is imperative that the witnesses comply with such direction. Before we hear from Mr. Lynn regarding his petition, I propose that we publish the opening statement on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Lynn and to Mr. Nizam Bin Nayan. I suggest that Mr. Lynn make his opening statement for about ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will have approximately ten minutes. Members may speak more than once. I invite Mr. Lynn to make his opening statement.