Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Alan Nuzum, chief executive, and Dr. Lorcán Ó hÓbáin, programme manager, ManagementWorks. I also welcome Mr. Dave Flynn, programme support manager, Skillnets. Today we will discuss the following: the Skillnets enterprise-led model in terms of its effectiveness and relevance to the current and future skills needs of enterprise and the workforce; the use of conversion courses as an effective policy response in filling skills gaps and labour market activation; and the role of the ManagementWorks initiative in boosting the management capacity of SME owners and managers in sustaining and growing their business.

Before we commence, I remind witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now ask Mr. Nuzum to make his presentation.