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. Apologies have been received from Senator Garvey.

Today we will have a discussion and engagement on the reports relating to the skills and apprenticeship landscape in Ireland. Physics-related enterprises play a considerable role in respect of the Irish economy. As such, it is important to ensure the necessary skills are developed and supports are in place to support the sector and foster and maintain a highly-skilled workforce that can meet growing demands in areas such as quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry. I am very pleased that we have the opportunity today to consider further this and other matters with representatives from the Institute of Physics. We are joined by Ms Fiona Longmuir, learning and skills manager, and Dr. Michael Kyle, policy manager.

Before we start, as I always do, 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 by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Ms Longmuir to make her opening remarks.