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

I remind members who are participating remotely that they need to do so from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Senator Paul Gavan and Deputy Louise O'Reilly.

Today we will look at the challenges facing businesses in relation to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility is where companies integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations and their interactions with their stakeholders. Key corporate social responsibility issues companies face include: environmental management, eco-efficiency, responsible sourcing, stakeholder engagement, labour standards and working conditions, employee and community relations, social equity, gender balance and human rights, good governance and anti-corruption measures.

I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives: from the Business in the Community Ireland, Ms June Tinsley, head of communications, and Ms Bernadette Phelan, head of advisory services; from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Mr. Tim Griffiths, chief executive officer, and Mr. Darren McMahon, partnership and grants managers; and from the Open Doors Initiative, Ms Jeanne McDonagh, chief executive office, and Ms Claire Hayes, head of research, policy and governance.

Before we begin, as I always do, 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 imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Ms Tinsley to make her opening remarks on behalf of Business in the Community Ireland.