Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome to our guests. Unfortunately, a number of Deputies could not make it today, including our Chairman, Deputy Maurice Quinlivan, and Deputies Matt Shanahan and David Stanton. Their apologies are noted.

There are some basic requirements in relation to Covid-19. People are asked to take personal responsibility and to protect themselves and others. That is taken as read. Members are required to participate here in person or remotely. We have some members participating remotely from their offices within the confines of Leinster House.

Today we are considering the pre-legislative scrutiny of the cooperative societies Bill 2022. It replaces the existing Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893 to 2021, so this has a long history. I am delighted to welcome from Co-operative Housing Ireland, Mr. Pearse O'Shiel, chairman, and Mr. Pat Moyne, director of corporate services; from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, Mr. T. J. Flanagan, CEO, and Mr. James Doyle, legal and governance executive; and from the Centre for Co-operative Studies at University College Cork, Dr. Olive McCarthy, director, and Dr. Bridget Carroll, researcher.

There is a requirement in relation to parliamentary privilege which has to be stated. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I invite Mr. O'Shiel to make his opening statement.