Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome the witnesses from Forfás, Mr. Martin Shanahan, chief executive, Mr. Declan Hughes, Ms Marie Bourke, Dr. Jonathan Healy and Ms Laura Watts, who will discuss social enterprise in Ireland. From the Equality Budgeting Campaign I welcome Ms Louise Bayliss, Mr. Richard Keane, Ms Emer Delaney, and Ms Louise Riordan. One person from each group will make a presentation initially. When it comes to answering questions other witnesses may respond as appropriate.

Before starting the discussion I wish to advise witnesses of privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice 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. The presentations that witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Mr. Shanahan to make his presentation.