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 who are participating remotely are required, as they are well aware, to participate from within the Leinster House complex only. We have not received any apologies.

Today, we are going to discuss the challenges facing the technology sector. Ireland is one of the leading tech capitals of the world, a home to several dynamic Irish tech companies and the location of Europe, Middle East and Africa headquarters for many of the world's leading companies in the tech industry. The tech sector employs thousands of people and contributes to significantly to the Irish economy. In recent weeks, volatility and instability in the sector have been widely reported with substantial job losses being announced in many large employers in the tech sector. I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from the Industrial Development Authority, IDA, and Technology Ireland. From the IDA, I welcome Ms Mary Buckley, interim CEO; Mr. Donal Travers, divisional manager technology, content consumer and business services; and Mr. Tommy Fanning, department manager strategic policy. From Technology Ireland, I welcome Ms Una Fitzpatrick, director; and from IBEC, Mr. Erik O’Donovan, head of digital policy.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses regarding references that witnesses may make to another person in giving their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are 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 again 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 they comply with any such direction.

Both opening statements have been circulated to the members and to commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Ms Mary Buckley to make opening remarks on behalf of the IDA.