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

I remind members who are participating remotely of the need to do so only from within the Leinster House complex. We have not received any apologies.

Today we will engage with Mr. Feargal O'Rourke, chairperson designate of IDA Ireland. As members will be aware, IDA Ireland is an autonomous statutory agency set up under the Industrial Development Acts 1986 to 2019. It operates in accordance with the provisions of the Acts and under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I welcome the chairperson designate, Mr. Feargal O'Rourke. He is joined by: Mr. John Nolan, secretary and manager corporate services, IDA Ireland; Ms Breda O'Sullivan, manager corporate strategy and planning, IDA Ireland; Mr. Paul Bailey, head of global marketing and communications, IDA Ireland; and Mr. John Hughes, principal officer, inward investment unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Before we begin, as is always the case, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references that may be made to another person in evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is important they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement has been circulated. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. O'Rourke to make his opening remarks.