Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I remind members, visitors and those in the public Gallery to please ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when in silent mode.

We will now commence our discussion with the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Mr. Greg Mulholland, MP, chair of the cross-party group on the pub in the UK, on how the UK has approached the problem of stimulating employment in the pub sector. I welcome Mr. Greg Mulholland, MP, and Mr. Padraig Cribben, CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure I am required to inform our guests 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 the committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they will be entitled thereafter only to a 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 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 entities 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. I remind the joint committee's guests that the presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration. The presentations submitted have been circulated to members and I invite Mr. Mulholland to make his presentation to the committee.