Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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We are now in public session. I ask that all mobile phones be switched off or put on silent model as they interfere with the sound system. I ask if delegates could be mindful of the brief time allocated and I ask them to keep their presentations to five minutes each and these will be followed by questions. We need to finish the meeting by 3.30 p.m.

I advise the witnesses that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed is represented by Mr. John Stewart and Mr. John Farrell. The Department of Social Protection is represented by Mr. John McKeon, Mr. Barry Kennedy and Mr. Donal Spellman. I invite Mr. Stewart to make his presentation on behalf of the INOU.