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

I remind all those present in the committee room to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members participating in the meeting remotely must do so from within the Leinster House complex, as they know. Apologies have been received from Senator Sherlock.

Today we will consider the White Paper on enterprise strategy from 2022-30. Formulating a robust policy, coherent strategy and engaging initiatives is crucial to developing enterprise so that it can thrive in a competitive environment. For example, this week is local enterprise week 2023, with events aimed at boosting local enterprise being organised by local enterprise offices throughout the country. In December 2022, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment launched the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-30. It provides an overview of the international economic context, examines the competitive enterprise environment, explores future policy direction and provides a framework for implementation of enterprise policy. I am pleased the committee has the opportunity today to consider these matters further with representatives of the Department. I welcome Mr. David Hegarty, assistant secretary for enterprise strategy, competitiveness and evaluation, Ms Caoimhe Gavin, principal officer at the enterprise strategy unit, Mr. Brendan Kilpatrick, assistant principal at the enterprise strategy unit, and Ms Karen Hynes, principal officer at the entrepreneurship and small business unit.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references 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 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement has been circulated to members. To commence consideration of the matter, I invite Mr. Hegarty to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department.