Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. McGann for those very focused submissions on the recommendations. We appreciate that practical approach. Before I invite our witnesses from SIPTU, I need to give a privilege warning.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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.

Those participating in the committee meeting from a location outside parliamentary precincts have a different position on privilege which I have already read. It does not apply to SIPTU. I apologise for the delay. I just needed to read that to the witnesses who are present.

We thank the witnesses for coming before the committee and engaging with us and for their submissions and opening statements. I invite Ms Buckley to make her opening statement.