Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received so far from Senators Sherlock, Garvey, Ahearn and Gavan and Deputy Shanahan. We will look at the general scheme of the microenterprise loan fund (amendment) Bill 2023, which provides for an amendment to the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012 to provide for the transfer of the ownership of Microfinance Ireland from the Social Finance Foundation to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and to put in place related governing structures.

I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider this and related matters further with the following officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Ms Jean Carberry, assistant secretary, European Union, digital and access to finance; Ms Fiona Kilcullen, principal officer, access to finance; Ms Pamela Malone, assistant principal, access to finance; and Ms Anne-Marie Finlay, principal officer. It is great to see four women in for the first time. I do not think we have ever had a delegation where there has not been a man involved. There is a bit of progress there somewhere, so well done.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice 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 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 Ms Carberry to make opening remarks on behalf of the Department.