Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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I remind all those present in the committee room that they are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Members who are participating in the meeting remotely are required, as they are well aware, to participate from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Deputy Shanahan.

Today, we will discuss European work councils, EWCs. European work councils are bodies that facilitate information and consultation with European employees on transnational issues. EWCs are subject to the law of the member states in which they are located. They allow workers to be informed and consulted by management on the progress of the business and any significant decisions at European level that can affect their employment or working conditions. Today we will discuss the impact of Brexit on EWCs based in the UK, Irish legislation relating to European work councils and related issues. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives. I welcome Dr. Jonathan Lavelle, senior lecturer in employment relations at the department of work and employment studies, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick; Dr. Werner Altmeyer, managing director of the EWC Academy in Hamburg, Germany, who is joining us online; and Mr. Philip Sack, director, EWC Legal Advisers.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references 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 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such directions I may give.

The opening statements will be circulated to members. To commence our consideration, I invite Dr. Lavelle to make his opening statement.