Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's discussion is pre-legislative scrutiny of the right to request remote work Bill 2022, the general scheme of which was recently referred by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to this committee with a request for pre-legislative scrutiny this month. The Bill aims to provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing a request for remote work can be based. It also aims to provide legal clarity and procedures to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests. The committee recently discussed the proposed legislation with officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Today I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to consider the matter further and the committee members will hear from representatives of IBEC and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. I welcome from IBEC Ms Maeve McElwee, director of employer relations, and Ms Nichola Harkin. I welcome from ICTU Ms Patricia King, general secretary, and Dr. Laura Bambrick.

Before we start I must mention some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references the witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with all such directions.

The opening statements have been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of the matter I now invite Ms McElwee to make her opening remarks on behalf of IBEC.