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

Under public health arrangements, 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 who are participating in the meeting remotely are required, as they are well aware, to participate from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Senator Gavan.

Today we will undertake detailed pre-legislative scrutiny on the industrial relations (provisions in respect of pension entitlements of retired workers) Bill 2021. It is a Private Members’ Bill that provides for amendments to industrial relations and pensions legislation to allow for retired persons who are members of occupational pension schemes to be granted access to industrial relations machinery of the State. The Bill is sponsored by Deputy Bríd Smith, who is present to address the committee on any matters or questions may have in respect of the legislation.

I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives: Ms Sue Shaw, CEO, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, ISCP; Ms Eileen Sweeney, Retired Airline Staff Association, RASA; Mr. Gerry Foley, Alliance of Retired Public Servants, ARPS; Mr. John Nugent, vice chairman, National Federation of Pensioners Associations, NFPA; and Mr. Tony Collins, chairman and national executive, ESB Retired Staff Association; and Mr. Walter Croke, former master glass blower, and Dr. John M. Hearne, former master glass cutter, Waterford Crystal Pension Action Group.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards 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. Witnesses are again 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 may 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 that they comply with any such directions.

The opening statements that were sent to us are being circulated to all the members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Ms Shaw to make opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament.