Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and witnesses once again to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome Mr. Chris Lundy of the Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland, Mr. John Smith of National Electrical Contractors Ireland, Mr. Brian Nolan of the Technical Electrical and Engineering Union and Mr. Ned Costigan of the Construction Workers Alliance. I thank them for attending today's meeting of the joint committee to make presentations on the general scheme of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2014. As their submissions have been received and circulated to members, I ask them to address their comments to the specific draft heads of the Bill. This meeting is an opportunity for the witnesses to inform the committee of issues they may have with the heads, as drafted, and to propose measures to address these issues. It is important for the time available to us to be used for the intended purposes I have outlined. All proposals will be considered by the committee when it is preparing its report for the Minister.

Before we begin, I would like to inform the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are about to give to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. They 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. 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 format for the discussion is that Mr. Lundy will make his presentation first, followed by Mr. Smith, Mr. Nolan and Mr. Costigan. The members will then be invited to ask questions. I ask Mr. Lundy to make his presentation.