Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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I remind everybody who is present in the committee room to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members participating in the meeting who are doing so remotely are required to do so from within the Leinster House complex, as they well know. Apologies have been received from Deputy Matt Shanahan, who is on constituency business in Waterford.

Today we will examine some of the challenges facing small and medium enterprises, SMEs, which play a vital role in the Irish economy and communities across Ireland. While much focus is on multinational companies and foreign direct investment, our domestic SME sector is often overlooked despite the fact it makes a huge contribution and employs people all over Ireland at every level in every local area.

Inflation, the housing crisis, a talent shortage and concerns around Ireland's competitiveness are among the issues that present major challenges to SMEs. Today, I am pleased the committee has an opportunity to consider these matters further with representatives from Chambers Ireland, ISME and the Irish Exporters Association. From Chambers Ireland, I welcome Mr. Ian Talbot, chief executive, and Mr Shane Conneely, director of policy. From ISME, I welcome Mr. Neil McDonnell, chief executive. I also welcome Ms Elaine Dunne, founder and chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers. From the Irish Exporters Association, I welcome Mr. Simon McKeever, chief executive, and Mr. Karl Picard, communications and public affairs lead.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements from all three organisations have been circulated to members. To commence consideration of our matter today, I invite Mr. Talbot to make his opening remarks on behalf of Chambers Ireland.