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

All present are very welcome to our first public meeting with stakeholders.

Before we start the meeting, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the House as regards reference 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, a number of today's witnesses are giving evidence remotely. In the event they are doing so from a place outside of parliamentary precincts, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Such witnesses have already been advised they may think it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present or within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, a member who attempts to participate outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm 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 a 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 members' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative members comply with any such direction.

I propose we publish the opening statements and submissions provided by the witnesses to the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I suggest we invite our witnesses to speak to our committee for approximately five and up to ten minutes. Members will be allowed ask questions or make comments for approximately five to seven minutes. Members may be called as they appear on the week one speaking list and may speak more than once where time allows. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The committee decided to carry out scrutiny of the following EU legislative proposals: COM (2025) 80 and COM (2025) 81. These cover the corporate sustainability reporting directive, CSRD, and the corporate sustainability due diligence directive, CSDDD, also referred to as the omnibus package. The committee has also received correspondence relating to these proposals.

I welcome our witnesses to the committee and thank them for attending at such short notice. We have representatives from IBEC: Mr. Neil Willoughby, head of EU policy; and Ms Kara McGann, head of skills and social policy. We have representatives from the Irish Coalition for Business and Human Rights: Ms Evie Clarke, policy co-ordinator; Dr. Rachel Widdis, adjunct assistant professor at Trinity College school of law; Mr. Ross Fitzpatrick, policy and advocacy officer for Christian Aid Ireland; and Mr. Chris O'Connell, policy and advocacy adviser for Trócaire.

I invite Mr. Willoughby to make his opening statement on behalf of IBEC.