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

We will now engage with the new chairperson of Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland is the Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets and comes under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It plays a key role in providing supports and assistance to many Irish enterprises. I welcome its new chairperson, Mr. Michael Carey. He is joined by the following officials: Mr. Conor O'Donovan, manager of global communications, marketing and events, Dr. Paula Maguire, manager of corporate governance and secretary to the Enterprise Ireland board, Ms Karen Hynes, principal officer in the Enterprise Ireland liaison unit, and Gary Ward, assistant principal officer and Enterprise Ireland liaison officer.

Before we start, I will 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 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory concerning an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue those statements. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement has been circulated among members. I now invite Mr. Carey to make his opening remarks.