James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome everyone to our tenth meeting. Before we proceed, I have a few housekeeping matters to go through. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the House as regards references witnesses make to other persons in their evidence. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that it is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' 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. One of today's witnesses is giving evidence remotely from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts. As such, that person may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does. The witness in question may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

I remind 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 members to participate if 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 and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 a statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that any such direction is complied with. I propose that we publish the opening statements and submissions provided by the witnesses on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I propose to invite our witnesses to speak for up to ten minutes, that we allow members to ask questions or make comments for approximately five to seven minutes. We may have a second round of questions should time allow. Members will be called in the order in which they appear on the speaking rota which was circulated before the meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Today's meeting is on competitiveness and the cost of doing business in Ireland and related matters. The committee has decided our priority policy will be comptetitiveness and the cost of doing business in Ireland. This is our fourth meeting on this topic and we look forward to hearing from many of the stakeholders in various sectors of our economy. At this point, I also wish to express my gratitude to the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Deputy Brennan for chairing last week in my absence. Gabhaim buíochas leis.

I am delighted to welcome the representatives from Chambers Ireland and Dublin Chamber. I invite Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive officer of Chambers Ireland to make his opening statement.