Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome representatives of the Department of Social Protection. 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Their opening statements or any other documentation they have may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they 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.

The topic for discussion is the entitlement of self-employed persons to social protection payments. The Select Sub-Committee on Social Protection discussed the matter briefly in July last in the context of its discussion on the 2013 Estimates. Since then, the Department has published a report on the matter. Today's discussion is part of an ongoing look at this issue in terms of our having discussed this issue last year with a group from Dundalk representative of self-employed people. We also discussed it at that stage with the Department.

I welcome Ms Mary Kennedy and Ms Aideen Mooney from the Department of Social Protection to the meeting and invite Ms Kennedy to make her opening statement.