Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House complex only. No apologies have been received.

The issue we will discuss today is current issues affecting trade in Ireland, the supports available to businesses and matters affecting indigenous enterprise with small and medium enterprise, SME. Trade is essential to Ireland's economic well-being and is crucial to developing prosperity and higher living standards for all the people of Ireland. The major economic disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Brexit, growing protectionism, global tax developments and geopolitical trade tensions are among the many challenges facing Irish enterprises. Enterprise Ireland is the Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in the world market. Today I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives from Enterprise Ireland: Mr. Leo Clancy, chief executive; Ms Carol Gibbons, divisional manager regions and local enterprise; and Mr. Donal Leahy, department manager strategic policy.

Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to another person when giving 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. Therefore, if witnesses’ statements are potentially defamatory to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction.

The opening statements from Enterprise Ireland have been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of the matter, I invite Mr. Leo Clancy to make the opening statement on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.