John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

Witnesses and 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 would be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identified person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction I might make.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirement that to participate in a public meeting, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus. This is due to the constitutional requirement that to participate in a public meeting, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any members participating remotely online via the MS Teams platform to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus if they wish to contribute to the meeting. I remind all in attendance to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off or in silent mode.

I welcome the witnesses from the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI: Dr. Karina Doorley, associate research professor; Mr. Bertrand MaÌtre, senior research officer; and Ms Simona Sándorová, research assistant. The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with them on the ESRI’s output and publications on many areas relevant to its work. The issue we are addressing today is pressing and one that featured prominently at the National Economic Forum on Monday last. I now invite Dr. Doorley to make her opening remarks.