James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

In the second session, we will consider the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was referred to the committee by order of the Dáil on 28 May 2025. I welcome back the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Burke, and his officials. The Bill has three Parts, 13 sections and the Title. There are ten amendments on the amendment list. For the information of members, it is proposed to group the following amendments for the purposes of debate: Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, and Nos. 4, 5 and 10. Amendment No. 6 has been ruled out of order and the proposing Deputy notified of that ruling. All other amendments that are not grouped will be discussed individually. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We will begin with an opening statement by the Minister, which I propose shall be published on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.