Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our second engagement is a continuation of our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the automatic enrolment retirement savings system Bill 2022. I welcome the following officials from the Pensions Authority: Mr. Brendan Kennedy, the pension regulator and CEO; Dr. David Begg, chairperson; Mr. Andrew Nugent, head of policy; and Ms Gillian Smith, assistant head of policy.

Before we start I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards any reference witnesses may make to another person 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. 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I now call on Dr. David Begg to make his opening statement.