John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The second session is a discussion with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, IBEC, on its proposals on budget 2014. From IBEC, I welcome Mr. Fergal O'Brien, chief economist, Ms Reetta Suonperä, senior economist, Ms Majella Fitzpatrick, director of communications and public affairs, and Mr. Alan O'Kelly, senior executive.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and continues to so do, he or she is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her, them, or it identifiable. Members are reminded 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. O'Brien to make IBEC's presentation on proposals for budget 2014.