Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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We have undertaken to write to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and request that its officials attend on a separate session.

I welcome Ms Anne Winslow of the Disability Federation of Ireland, Mr. Brian O'Donnell of the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies and Ms Mo Flynn of the Not for Profit Association. I also welcome Mr. David Joyce from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Mr. Paul Bell from SIPTU, Mr. Tony Fitzpatrick from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, Ms Catherine Keogh from Fórsa and Mr. Willie Quigley from Unite.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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. However, 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 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 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.

Any opening statements that have been submitted to the committee will be published on its website after this meeting.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. David Joyce to make his opening statement.