James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome everyone to our sixth public meeting. Before we proceed, I have a few housekeeping matters to go through, as follows. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practices of the Houses with regard to references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation that they make to the committee. This means that witnesses have an absolute defence in any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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

I propose that we publish the opening statements and submissions provided by the witnesses on the committee website. Is that agreed? Agreed. In regard to speaking arrangements, I invite the witnesses to speak for five to ten minutes, while members can speak up to a maximum of seven minutes. Members may be called as they appear on the week 1 speaking list. Members may speak more than once. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The functions of this committee, under Standing Orders, is to report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on any matter relating to legislation, policy, governance, expenditure and administration of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and also State bodies within the responsibility of the Department. The number of agencies of the Department will shortly rise to 11. The committee considers it important to engage with agencies as well as the Department. The committee also has an oversight role over the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority, IAASA, in accordance with section 929 of the Companies Act 2014. The committee also has a role in meeting the chairperson designate of any body or agency under the aegis of the Department to discuss his or her strategic priorities for the role. The guidance on the appointment of chairpersons of State boards suggests that the committee would like to discuss the approach the chair will take to their role as chairperson, their views about the future of the authority and their strategic priorities for the role. The committee would also like to discuss any other related matters. I am delighted to welcome here today Ms Aisling Kennedy, chairperson of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority. She is accompanied by Mr. Kevin Prendergast, chief executive. I now invite Ms Kennedy to make her opening statement.