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

All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Deputy Paul Murphy.

Today we will discuss the challenges facing small businesses. Small businesses play a vital role in the Irish economy and in communities across Ireland. They often play a key role in providing the goods and services that are most relied on in our daily lives. Small businesses are operating in a very difficult and uncertain environment. This includes challenges from higher energy costs, labour costs and insurance. Today I am pleased that we have an opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from the Family Business Network, the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, CSNA, and the Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades Association, RGDATA. From the Family Business Network, I welcome Mr. John McGrane, executive director, Ms Ellen Kehoe, chief development officer, and Mr. Aidan Finnegan, policy and public affairs manager. From the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, I welcome Mr. Vincent Jennings, chief executive officer; Mr. Derek Moran of the national executive and Ms Flora Crowe, a member who is joining us online. From the Retail, Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades Association I welcome Ms Tara Buckley, director general and Mr. Colin Fee, president. From the same organisation we are being joined online by Ms Rachel Twomey, Mr. Padraig Broderick, Ms Annie Timothy and Ms Leona Pender.

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 otherwise 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 to 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 statements have been circulated and to commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. John McGrane to make opening remarks on behalf of the Family Business Network.