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

We will now begin in public session. Members who are participating remotely need to do so from within the Leinster House complex. Apologies have been received from Senator Paul Gavan.

Today we will have pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the plan of action on collective redundancies following insolvency Bill 2023. In June 2021, the Government launched a plan of action on collective redundancies following insolvency which set out a broad range of commitments to enhance the protection afforded to employees who find themselves in a collective redundancy situation following insolvency. The general scheme of the plan of action on collective redundancies following insolvency Bill 2023 aims to deliver on this action plan and provides for several measures, including amendments to employment law and company law legislation and the setting up of an employment law review group.

We are pleased that we have an opportunity to consider this and other related matters with the following representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Ms Fiona O'Dea, principal officer; Ms Sarah Flood, assistant principal officer; Ms Dara Breathnach, principal officer; Mr. Peter O'Brien Hogan, assistant principal officer; Ms Áine Maher, principal officer; and Mr. Shane Smith, higher executive officer.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice 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 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 that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement has been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Ms O'Dea to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Department.