Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome the representatives of Self-Employed Alliance Dundalk to discuss matters of concern to them regarding the Department's policies under discussion. I thank them for appearing before us and apologise for the long wait. However, it is hoped our discussion with the departmental officials has provided them with an insight into the Department's policies in this area.

Before we commence, I draw attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I now invite Mr. McArdle to introduce his colleagues and make his presentation.