John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

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 he or she is 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 members participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

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. 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 direction. As witnesses are probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following the meeting.

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. 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 direction.

Today, we move into the trade part of our responsibilities as an Oireachtas committee. We are engaging with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, or AmCham. I welcome Mr. Paul Sweetman, chief executive; Mr. Colm O'Callaghan, director of public affairs and advocacy; and Ms Aoife O'Brien, communications manager. The format of the meeting is that we will hear the witnesses' opening statement, followed by a question-and-answer session with members of the committee. Members generally have seven minutes and that includes answers, and there will be a second round. I am pretty strict about the time so that we get through as many members as possible and keep it tight. When witnesses are giving answers, there is a timer on one of the screens so they can see exactly what is going on. We will be flexible in terms of making sure witnesses get to say everything they need to say.

I ask the chief executive to make the opening statement.