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 Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI: Dr. Claire Keane, senior research officer; and Dr. Barra Roantree, research officer.

Before we begin, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding 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 both to 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I call Dr. Roantree to make the opening statement on behalf of the ESRI.