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

We have a quorum. All present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility and protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members who wish to participate remotely need to do so from within the Leinster House complex as they are well aware. We have received apologies from Deputy Shanahan.

Our business today is to consider the Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Regulations 2022; Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) Regulations 2022; and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority) Regulations 2022. The regulations if adopted will provide for the restriction of the rights and obligations provided for in the Data Protection Act 2018 where it is necessary and proportionate to safeguard the statutory functions of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, the Corporate Enforcement Authority, CEA, and the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority, IAASA.

I am pleased we have an opportunity to consider these matters further today with the Minister of State with responsibility for trade, promotion, digital and company regulation, Deputy Calleary. I would also like to welcome from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Ms Tara Keane, principal officer; and Ms Orla O'Brien, assistant principal.

Before we start I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to another person when giving 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. 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 engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction.

The opening statement from the Minister of State has been circulated to members. I invite the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.