Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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Members who are participating remotely need to do so from within the Leinster House complex, as they well know. We have not received any apologies.

Today's engagement is with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, regarding an update on quarter 1 matters relating to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Department is responsible for advising and implementing the Government's policies that relate to developing the productive capacity of the economy and fostering an environment which provides for employment creation and sustainability. The Department is also engaged in developing policies that enable fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.

I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Simon Coveney. I welcome his officials: Mr. Dermot Mulligan, assistant secretary, workplace relations and economic migrant unit; Ms Caoimhe Gavin, principal officer, enterprise strategy unit; Mr. Colm Forde, principal officer, offshore wind strategy unit; Ms Maedhbh Cronin, principal officer, retail and locally traded enterprise unit; Ms Karen Hynes, principal officer, entrepreneurship and small business unit; Mr. John Hughes, principal officer, inward investment unit; and Ms Tara Keane, principal officer, commerce, consumer and competition unit.

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 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 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 direction.

The opening statement has been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.