Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

We are grateful to members for attending. I know some of the Senators are caught in a vote.

We will engage with representatives of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound, which I am happy to say is located in Loughlinstown in the Dún Laoghaire constituency. That only adds to its credibility and augustness, in my opinion. We will wait for its representatives to come in and then we will start.

I will have to step out in a few minutes. I propose that Deputy Robert O'Donoghue take over as interim Chair when I do so. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I am delighted to be joined by members of Eurofound: Mr. Ivailo Kalfin, executive director, and Ms Cristina Arigho, senior communications manager. They are both very welcome. I thank them for taking the time to join us today. As Eurofound is the only EU agency based in Ireland, we are particularly delighted to have them here, and in this year, because I remember celebrating its 50th anniversary with them at Loughlinstown just a few months ago. It is wonderful that they are here. The work they do is very important. I congratulate them and their team on everything they have done to bring Eurofound to where it is and on making that important milestone of 50 years. The committee will talk about its work and the first findings of the European Working Conditions Survey 2024.

I am obliged to read a note on privilege and some housekeeping matters. 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such recommendation.

Members are equally reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. We do not have anybody joining online at this juncture so I do not think I need to read out the constitutional requirement to be inside the precincts of Leinster House.

I invite Mr. Kalfin to make his opening statement. I have explained that he will have five minutes. We will then go to members who have questions and go through a questions and answers format thereafter. I will have to step out, but Deputy O'Donoghue will take the Chair. Excuse me, but I will be back. I call Mr. Kalfin.