James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In accordance with Standing Orders, I wish to make the following declaration:

I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down the by the Houses, and in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and Standing Orders.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. Members 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Good afternoon, members. I am delighted to have been appointed as the Cathaoirleach of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. I sincerely welcome all of you to the committee. I look forward to working with each of you openly and in a fair and impartial manner. I know from the group we have here that we will have very productive years working together on many issues facing the country and businesses of all sizes and also focusing on the important issues around employment and the tourism sector. I want to work in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation to address the many key issues and challenges facing the Department which is under our remit. For me, it is an honour to be serving here as Cathaoirleach during my second Dáil term. I thank my constituents for their support and understanding as I take on this role. I thank the members of the committee and I look forward to working with them. I am very open to the different issues and items that members of the committee wish to raise and wish to work with me as Cathaoirleach on. I look forward to the work ahead. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.

At this point, I am delighted to open the floor to remarks from our members. To assist the clerk, I think it is best if we go around the room in a clockwise fashion. We will start with Deputy Donnelly.