Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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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 joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I advise that opening statements will be published on the committee's website. Members and delegates are requested to ensure mobile phones are switched off completely as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode.
This meeting is about pensions reform and the implications of the EU White Paper on pensions issued in 2012 which proposes wide reform of pensions to deal with, among other matters, the creation of better opportunities for older workers, the development of complementary private retirement schemes and enhancing the safety of supplementary pension schemes to facilitate mobility. The White Paper also proposes encouraging member states to promote longer working lives, monitoring the adequacy and sustainability of pensions and supporting pension reforms in member states. It has significant implications for Ireland with regard to financial and labour market issues, as well as older workers' issues. Members will recall that when the committee recently considered a specific issue related to pensions, it heard presentations on the implications of the increase in the age at which the State pension was to be paid.
I welcome from the Department of Social Protection Dr. Orlaigh Quinn, Mr. Tim Duggan, Mr. Finbarr Hickey and Mr. Darragh Doherty; from ICTU Mr. Fergus Whelan; and from the Irish Brokers Association Mr. Frank Lahiffe, Mr. Ciarán Phelan and Mr. Aidan McLoughlin. I invite Dr. Quinn to make a presentation on behalf of the Department of Social Protection.