Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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I thank members and witnesses for their attendance at this meeting in line with the exceptional circumstances and measures required due to Covid-19. I remind members who are participating remotely that they should do so from within the Leinster House complex.

Today we will be discussing issues relating to the employment of content moderators. A content moderator is an employee of an online platform responsible for user-generated content submitted to the platform. The content moderator's job includes making sure the material posted to the platform is placed in the right category, is free from scams and does not include any illegal matter.

At the outset I wish to explain the purpose of today's discussion, which is to enable the committee to inform itself about matters of policy and possible legislative changes it could raise with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and officials of his Department, who will be before us next week. As is normal, we cannot involve ourselves in general industrial relations issues. To assist the committee in its consideration of some of the issues that arise relating to the employment of persons as content moderators, I am pleased to welcome Ms Fionnuala Ní Bhrógáin from the Communications Workers Union, CWU, and Ms Cori Crider from Foxglove, a London-based group that advocates on behalf of the users of digital technology. Ms Crider is accompanied by Ms Isabella Plunkett, a content moderator.

Before we begin I wish to explain some of the limitations on parliamentary privilege in the practice of the Houses in the context of references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. However, today's witnesses are giving their evidence remotely from outside the parliamentary precincts and, as such, may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Opening statements and other relevant documentation have already been circulated to members. I invite Ms Ní Bhrógáin to make her opening remarks.