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

We are now in public session. I remind members who are attending the meeting remotely that they need to do so from within the Leinster House complex. Today we will discuss employee experiences of technological surveillance in the financial services sector. Advances in technology have brought many opportunities for positive change in the workplace. However, developments in technology have also brought new risks and challenges that require appropriate scrutiny to ensure that the rights of businesses and staff are sufficiently protected through robust legislation and policy. One area where workplace technology has advanced in recent years is in respect of technological surveillance of employees. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider this and related matters with representatives of the Financial Services Union, FSU, Mr. John O'Connell, general secretary, and Mr. Brian McDowell, head of communications and public affairs. We are also joined by Dr. Michelle O'Sullivan from the department of work and employment studies in the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, UL.

Before we start, I will explain some of the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references made to other persons in 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 to the effect 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. O'Connell to make some opening remarks on behalf of the Financial Services Union.