Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will just explain to our guests or witnesses that some people will be online, appearing from different locations, while participating. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, IBEC, Mr. Fergal O'Brien, executive director of lobbying and influence, and Mr. Michael D'Arcy, programme lead with the IBEC-CBI joint business council. Today, we are continuing our series of meetings on finance and economics and will be discussing the all-island economy. I thank the witnesses again from coming in.

Before we commence, I have to read a note on parliamentary privilege. There are 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. However, witnesses and participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings should be given and that they should respect directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons 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 person's or the entity's good name.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I now call Mr. Fergal O'Brien to make his opening statement.